Violence against women in Pakistan

Shakil Ahmed

The Growing Crisis of Violence Against Women in Pakistan

It is a pity that violence against women in Pakistan is rampant today. People commit it in various forms such as sexual harassment, emotional abuse, physical harm, and psychological torture. Women continue to live in a world where safety remains uncertain not in bedrooms, boardrooms, or barracks. Violence against women (VAW), once considered a forbidden subject, is now used as a measure of national progress. The persistence of such violence reflects deep-rooted cultural, social, and institutional failures. It also highlights how gender inequality remains one of Pakistan’s most pressing human rights issues. To understand why these issues still persist, read our detailed analysis Causes of Violence against Women in Pakistan. Despite growing awareness, the reality for many women is still marked by fear, silence, and injustice.

Changing Perceptions: Stigma to Social Dialogue on Violence Against Women

Gone are the days when calling yourself a feminist was risky and made you seem mad or immoral. Society once viewed feminism as a threat to its balance and moral order, silencing many voices that demanded equality. Today, though still seen as controversial, social media platforms are full of conversations about misogyny and patriarchal dominance. You can read more about the role of social media in promoting gender equality in Pakistan.

People now talk openly about issues like the Matilda effect and deep-rooted gender bias shaping women’s lives. However, despite this evolution in dialogue, women in our society remain unsafe and vulnerable in almost every space they occupy daily. Awareness about gender-based violence has grown, but protection and accountability have not matched that progress.

Everyday Struggles: Many Faces of Violence Against Women in Pakistan

Women face danger everywhere in homes, hospitals, workplaces, on roads, and even online. There are countless forms of violence against women, each continuing to evolve and multiply. While defending survivors’ dignity, the process of reporting incidents and filing FIRs remains complicated and discouraging for most women. Accessing medico-legal support, legal aid, or safe shelters is still difficult and often impossible. These challenges discourage victims from coming forward, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity. The justice system’s slow response and weak institutional support make the situation even more unbearable. Stronger mechanisms are needed to ensure justice for victims of violence toward women and to build trust in law enforcement.

Global Efforts and Institutional Awareness of Gender-Based Violence

Several landmark conferences laid the foundation for global feminist movements and strengthened advocacy for women’s rights. The 1994 Cairo Population Conference and the 1995 Beijing Conference were key moments for gender equality and women’s protection. These global milestones inspired reforms and awareness campaigns across nations, including Pakistan. Doctors and hospital staff in Pakistan have noticed clear signs of domestic abuse among patients burns, fractures, and unexplained injuries that tell painful stories. Such evidence highlights the urgent need for strong healthcare-based reporting systems and greater awareness among professionals to support victims and reduce abuse against women in the country.

Conclusion: Challenges, Laws, and the Way Forward

Dowry violence remains a big problem for married women who fail to meet their in-laws’ material expectations. Sadly, there is no clear end in sight for violence against women in Pakistan, and progress remains painfully slow. The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts gender equality may not be achieved before 2154, while the United Nations estimates it could take 300 years for full legal equality. Pakistan has many pro-women laws, but their weak enforcement makes them inconsistent and ineffective. Stronger and more specific laws targeting various forms of VAW are essential. Economically empowered women can better fight against gender-based violence and build independent lives. Women’s safety is a right, not a privilege, and institutions must ensure their protection against all forms of abuse.