Root Causes of Violence Against Women in Pakistan
Violence against women in Pakistan remains one of the most serious human rights issues. The causes of violence against women in Pakistan continue to drive gender-based violence across the country. From domestic abuse to honor-based murders, women still face threats rooted in patriarchal traditions and unequal power. Recent reports by UNFPA Pakistan (2024) and reveal poor enforcement of protective laws. Many victims struggle to access justice or support. This shows that violence against women in Pakistan reflects collective mindsets, gender inequality, and institutional neglect. The 2024 report by Glory Magazine recorded over 32,000 cases of violence against women in Pakistan. This alarming figure highlights a national crisis that demands stronger policies and effective action. Understanding the causes of violence against women in Pakistan is essential to creating real, lasting change.
Patriarchal and Socioeconomic Control in Gender-Based Violence
Deep-rooted patriarchy drives violence against women in Pakistan. Society often judges women by their obedience and submission, valuing them for how well they conform to traditional expectations. These patriarchal norms restrict women’s movement, decision-making, and independence under the guise of preserving family honor. When women assert their independence by choosing their partners or pursuing higher education society criticizes or even punishes them. Traditional councils, such as jirgas, reinforce these hierarchies by endorsing gender-based violence through customary laws that favor men in disputes.
Economic dependence further increases women’s vulnerability. Many women lack access to education, jobs, or property ownership and rely financially on male family members. This dependence traps women in abusive relationships because leaving often leads to poverty or social isolation. Patriarchal dominance and economic inequality together sustain a system that empowers men and perpetuates violence, passing it down through generations in Pakistan.
Weak Legal and Institutional Protection Against Gender-Baased Violence
Pakistan has introduced several laws to protect women, such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women in the Workplace Act and various provincial domestic violence laws. However, weak enforcement continues to limit their effectiveness. The Human Rights Watch 2025 report states that police officers often ignore or mishandle gender-based violence cases. They delay investigations, avoid filing First Information Reports (FIRs), and dismiss domestic or sexual abuse cases as private family matters. UNFPA Pakistan and SSDO report that in some regions, courts convict less than 1 percent of offenders, leaving most victims without justice.
Government institutions also fail to provide survivor-focused programs such as shelters, counseling, and free legal aid. Without such support, families and communities pressure many women to withdraw complaints. This failure to implement the law not its absence sustains violence against women in Pakistan.
Social Acceptance and Misinterpretation of Culture
Another major factor that fuels violence against women in Pakistan is society’s acceptance of it under the guise of culture or religion. Many communities view male dominance and female submission as natural. When abuse occurs, families often dismiss it as a private issue rather than a crime. Sociological studies show that this normalization of violence discourages victims from reporting abuse due to stigma and fear of social exclusion. Families often silence women to protect their so-called honor, allowing the cycle of violence to continue.
Some individuals also distort religious teachings to justify patriarchal control. While Islam upholds women’s dignity and justice, many people twist its interpretation to restrict women’s social and economic rights. Cultural rigidity, social tolerance, and religious misrepresentation together create an environment that normalizes and sustains violence against women in Pakistan, making justice and equality difficult to achieve.
Conclusion
Cultural, economic, legal, and social factors connect and strengthen each other, fueling violence against women in Pakistan. Deep-rooted patriarchy, poor law enforcement, lack of independence, and social acceptance of abuse continue to marginalize women. Ending this crisis requires more than new laws. It needs collective reform, accountability, and education that challenges harmful gender norms. Policymakers, families, and communities must break their silence and stand for justice. Through awareness, empathy, and shared responsibility, Pakistan can protect women’s dignity, safety, and rights. Causes of violence against women in Pakistan must be addressed urgently to build a future rooted in equality and justice.