KARACHI, Dec 28: At least 472 women were murdered in Sindh during 2006 as compared to 384 in 2005, showing an alarming increase in violence against women. Besides, 168 women were injured in different incidents this year against 212 last year, according to a report compiled by the Aurat Foundation issued here on Thursday.

Giving a breakdown, the report said more than 219 women and 128 men were killed on pretext of Karo-kari in different parts of Sindh.

According to reports and data collected from newspapers and the Citizens Action Committees (CACs) for women rights, Sindh, 12 women including minor girls were raped and murdered this year compared to 10 last year.

Thirty women were gang-raped in 2006 while 76 cases of rape took place this year.

In two to four incidents noses, lips and hair of women were cut or shaved.

At least 154 women this year and 179 in 2005 were kidnapped while 62 women went missing during the current year and 74 last year. Owing to violence and other reasons, about 155 women sought shelter this year and 203 women last year.

In Sindh, at least 153 women committed suicide this year while the number of such cases last year was 157. The reasons behind the suicides were forced marriages, domestic problems/ conflicts, matrimonial disputes, poverty, underage marriages, early marriages, etc. As many as 187 women attempted to commit suicide this year.

More than 200 women were arrested in current year and 235 women last year under minor allegations or as compensation of male accused and 73 women were physically tortured by police in the province.

At least 26 couples were arrested by police who had left their homes for free will marriage.According to media reports, at least 89 Jirgas were held this year and 61 last year in violation of court verdict.—PPI