PESHAWAR, Jan 11: Contrary to the common perception, most of the cases of violence against women were not reported from the far-flung and backward areas of the province during the last six months.

Ironically, it is Peshawar, the provincial capital, where most of the 308 cases of violence against women have been registered. According to a report complied by Aurat Foundation, 308 cases of violence against women were registered in the province from July 2010 to December 2010.

“Majority of the victims is under 18 years of age, 35 victims are aging between 19 and 36 and 10 are about 37 or above,” Advocate Jalaluddin, the legal adviser to the foundation, told a press conference here on Tuesday.

He said that most of the cases were registered in Peshawar. He added that 112 cases were reported in Peshawar, 46 cases in Mardan, 21 in Swabi, 15 in Charsadda, 15 in Kohat, 13 in Haripur, 12 in Nowshera, 11 cases each in Swat and Manshera, 10 in Bannu, and nine cases were registered in Dera Ismail Khan.

“Two cases each have been reported in Khyber and Mohmand agencies,” he said. However, no case was reported from Lakki Marwat, Kohistan and Tank districts. “Same is situation in Kurram, Bajuar, North and South Waziristan agencies,” he added.

Unfortunately, he said, 267 cases with a percentage of 86.68 were not registered owing to different reasons while 41 cases having a ratio of 12.98 per cent were lacking FIRs and other pre-requisite evidences.

About the nature of the violence, he said that about 40 cases were related to kidnapping in the province. “Likewise, 167 cases of murder, 35 of domestic violence and 24 cases of suicide were registered,” he said.

Mr Jalal said that 113.6 per cent cases were related to honour killing, 98 per cent to burning incidents and 32 per cent were related to rape. He said that ratio of domestic violence remained the highest as 196 married and 83 unmarried women were reportedly subjected to torture.

He said that their report was based on information gathered through media and a non-governmental organisation. “There may be a number cases pertaining to violence in different districts but they have not been reported as media have focused on political issues and military operations,” he added.

Sheirn Javeed, project coordinator of Aurat Foundation, and head of the foundation Shabeena Ayaz also spoke on the occasion.