OUR justice system has truly failed to protect women, a recent SSDO report has revealed. With conviction rates hovering at an appalling 0.5pc for honour killings and rape, 0.1pc for kidnapping, and a mere 1.3pc for domestic violence, we have a real crisis of accountability on our hands. Each day in Pakistan in 2024 brought with it an average of 67 kidnappings, 19 rapes, six domestic violence cases and two honour killings. And these are the instances that were reported. Social stigma and distrust in the justice system ensure that only a fraction of incidents in the country is brought to the fore. From the registration of cases to conviction, the path is riddled with obstacles. Statistics show that in Punjab, out of 4,641 rape cases, only 20 resulted in convictions. Shockingly, Sindh and Balochistan recorded zero rape convictions.

So, what has led to such abysmal conditions when it comes to gender-based violence in our country? For one, patriarchal norms that have long permeated law-enforcement and judicial bodies lead to an environment where victims are often not believed or are pressured to withdraw their cases. Out-of-court settlements have sadly become the norm, often sanctioned by informal jirgas and panchayats. Investigations, if they ever occur, are routinely mishandled with inadequate evidence collection and victim intimidation. Procedural delays see cases stretch on for years without resolution. Police departments lack specialised GBV units, which has resulted in inconsistent handling of cases, allowing the perpetrators to evade justice. Reforms are sorely needed if we are to address these issues. Firstly, female police officers must be hired on priority. Female officers bring essential perspective and sensitivity to GBV cases and create a more comfortable environment for survivors to report crimes. Currently, women represent less than 2pc of our police force — a figure that must increase dramatically if we hope to build trust with victims. In addition, fast-track courts that are dedicated to hearing GBV cases must be established to overcome judicial delays. Legal aid for survivors must be guaranteed and expanded and out-of-court settlements in cases of sexual and domestic violence must be outlawed. For their part, law-enforcement agencies must improve forensic evidence collection and digitally track cases to prevent bureaucratic delays. Without decisive action, countless women will continue to suffer violence, with little hope of seeing their perpetrators brought to book.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2025