Pakistan records alarmingly low conviction rates in gender-based violence cases: report

Pakistan reported more than 32,000 cases of gender-based violence in 2024, according to a report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), revealing a concerningly low conviction rate across all provinces.

The report ‘Mapping Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 2024 stated that during the year, a total of 32,617 cases were reported across the country, including 5,339 rape cases, 24,439 kidnappings, 2,238 domestic violence, and 547 honour killings.

The report noted that despite the alarming increase in GBV cases, the conviction rate remained low across the country, with only 0.5% in each rape and honour killing cases, 0.1% in kidnapping, and 1.3% in domestic violence. 

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab province reported the highest number of cases, with 26,753 individuals targeted under gender-based violence, including 4,641 rape cases, with a 0.4% conviction rate, 20,720 kidnapping cases, with 16 convictions. 

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The province reported 1,167 domestic violence cases with just three convictions. Out of 225 honour killing cases, only two were led to the conclusion. 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reported a staggering 3,397 cases of gender-based violence in 2024. A breakdown of the cases reveals 134 incidents of honour killings, with only two convictions, and 258 rape cases, with a single conviction.

Furthermore, kidnapping and abduction cases reached 943, with just one conviction, while domestic violence cases totalled 446, with no convictions recorded. 

Sindh province reported a disturbing number of GBV cases, with 1,781 incidents recorded, including 134 honour killings, 243 rape cases, 2,645 kidnapping and abduction cases, and 375 domestic violence cases, with not a single conviction in any of these categories.

In contrast, Balochistan recorded a total of 398 GBV cases, including 32 honour killings with one conviction, 21 rape cases with no convictions, 185 kidnapping and abduction cases with no convictions, and 160 domestic violence cases with 25 convictions. 

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The province has the highest conviction rate among all provinces for domestic violence.

Islamabad Capital Territory witnessed a concerning number of GBV cases, with a total of 220 incidents reported. 

Among these, 22 cases were categorised as honour killings, but none resulted in convictions. The capital also recorded 176 rape cases, with a conviction rate of only 7 cases. 

Additionally, 22 domestic violence cases were reported, but no convictions were secured. Notably, data on kidnapping and abduction cases was not provided by the prosecution department.

The capital also recorded 176 rape cases, with a conviction rate of only seven. Additionally, 22 domestic violence cases were reported, but no convictions were secured. Notably, data on kidnapping and abduction cases was not provided by the prosecution department.