THIS is with reference to the article ‘GBV and climate’ (Nov 25). Pakistan, despite having several laws against domestic violence and rape, continues to witness an upward trend in gender-based violence.

According to an NGO working for women rights in the country, the situation has worsened at an alarming pace.

In two years, from 2004 to 2006, as many as 4,737 women fell victims of sexual violence, 1,800 were subjected to domestic violence, and 5,500 women were kidnapped. From 2011 to 2017, there were 51,241 reported cases of violence against women. Many more would have surely gone unreported.

Irfan Rasheed Baloch
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2020