“Pakistan, considered a land of hospitality, harbours the critical issue of domestic violence, which has plagued society and rendered countless laughter silent. The war on terror has a lesser-known counterpart: the war on women, waged in the shadows of domesticity, where the screams of the abused are muffled.”
According to Thomson Reuters, Pakistan is ranked among the most dangerous countries for women, causing gender-based discrimination and violence. Women in Pakistan face significant economic, cultural, and religious barriers, which expose them to various risks, including the egregious practice of honor killings, which are portrayed as justified actions.
Domestic violence encompasses any forms of violence, whether shared or not, that take place within a family, domestic unit, or between current or past spouses or partners and involve physical, sexual, psychological, or financial . Domestic violence in Pakistan is an endemic process about 5000 women faces domestic violence per year. The study reported by the “Human Rights Watch” in 2009 that about 70 to 90 Percent of Women in Pakistan suffers domestic abuse. A survey by the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reveals alarming rates of physical violence against women in Pakistan. The most affected regions are Formerly FATA, where a staggering 56% of women have experienced physical violence, followed by Balochistan (48%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (43%), and Sindh (15%).Pakistan has been experiencing a disturbing increase in domestic violence cases since 2021, with 11,000 cases reported in 2020 alone, which is a significant increase from the 4,775 cases reported in the previous year. This alarming trend demonstrates the growing concern of domestic violence in the country the study conducted by the Aurat Foundation, a Women Organization in Pakistan Annual Statistics 2020.
Women in Pakistan are ensnared in a web of silence, subjected to severe maltreatment by their spouses, relatives, and even colleagues.” Numerous innocent women have had their voices silenced by fear and humiliation, and their laughter suppressed by their perpetrators. The list of recent tragedies includes the horrific murder of a young pregnant woman named Sania Zehra, the well-known anchorperson Ayesha Jehanzaib, and the heartbreaking instance of domestic abuse Perveen Bibi. A ticking time bomb, the concerning increase in domestic abuse instances often goes unreported, leaving victims in the shadows. It’s time to end the stigma, end the quiet.
Domestic violence in Pakistan saw a terrible upsurge in 2020 and 2021; research by the Sustainable Social Development Report showed a sharp rise in incidents in Punjab, Islamabad, Sindh, and KPK. The number of honor killings increased alarmingly by 47%, from 134 to 197 incidents, highlighting the growing violence against women committed in the name of “honor.” This startling increase in domestic abuse serves as a sobering reminder of how urgently strong policies protecting women’s lives and dignity are needed.
A disturbing trend is evident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), a region facing a rise in violence against women.| A recent study shows a staggering 111% increase in reports of gender-based violence, from 2,587 calls in 2022 to 5,465 calls in 2023.| These alarming statistics cover a wide range of allegations, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and honour killings.| The toxic mix of patriarchal culture and religious misogyny in the Pashtun-dominated region has resulted in a deadly cocktail of domestic violence, where men, emboldened by a distorted sense of religious superiority, treat women as property and inflict brutal punishments for trivial reasons. .| Every day, a new horror story emerges of women being beaten, subjected to honour killings and divorce over trivial matters, perpetuating a cycle of violence and fear. The rising cases of violence against women in KPK are a stark reminder of the urgent need to challenge these harmful traditions and ensure women’s rights and safety.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has brought to light the harsh reality of domestic violence in Pakistan, revealing that a shocking 90% of women have suffered at the hands of their loved ones. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) reported a staggering 10,000 cases of violence against women in 2020 alone, including 2,297 cases of rape and gang rape. The Ministry of Human Rights has also reported the shocking figure of 6,300 cases of gender-based violence in the last three years. The gruesome murders of Noor Mukaddam, who was beheaded by her husband in July 2021, and Quartul Ain, who was tortured and murdered by her husband in Hyderabad, Sindh, are just the tip of the iceberg. The horrific torture of Saima Ali by her father, a police officer, in Peshawar, KPK is another heartbreaking example. These cases are just the tip of the iceberg, as many more are kept secret due to the widespread culture of ‘ghar ki baatand’ (keeping family matters secret), where the police often turn a blind eye and do not file a complaint, leaving frail women to suffer in silence.
Domestic violence casts a long shadow over society where women are now hesitant to marry and build a life with a partner for fear of the horrors of abuse.| The scourge of domestic violence undermines trust in men and causes women to distrust their potential partners.| Worse, children are caught in the crossfire, watching their parents and mothers face fierce battles and brutal beatings at the hands of their parents and other relatives.| This toxic cycle of violence poisons our society, both globally and domestically, and Pakistan’s reputation has taken a hit on the global stage due to its poor ranking in the Global Gender Parity Index. Due to the ineffectiveness of institutions and the lack of legislation to protect women’s rights, the problem is increasingly faltering and spiralling out of control.| It is a ticking time bomb waiting to unleash further devastation unless we take collective action to eradicate this scourge.
Pakistan must strengthen its commitment to gender equality by ratifying and fully implementing international treaties such as the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).| This requires adopting and enforcing laws that protect women from violence, discrimination and marginalization.| To achieve this, Pakistan should enact a comprehensive domestic violence law, establish specialized gender-based violence courts, and improve women’s access to education, economic opportunities and political participation. In addition, public awareness campaigns can help combat harmful gender stereotypes, while support services and shelters can provide a safe haven for survivors of gender-based violence.| Gender-responsive police and judicial training can ensure effective response and justice, and encouraging men’s participation in gender equality efforts can foster a collective commitment to change. Regular surveys and data analysis on gender-based violence can serve as a basis for policy and program development, while greater coordination between government, civil society and international organizations can ensure a unified response.| Ultimately, ensuring equal representation of women in decision-making positions and providing redress and justice to survivors of gender-based violence can help create a safer and more equitable society for all.| By taking these steps, Pakistan can demonstrate its commitment to gender equality.|
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