Punjab Faces Severe Surge in Violence Against Women: Over 15,000 Cases Reported in First Half of 2025
Punjab is witnessing an alarming rise in violence against women, with more than 15,000 cases reported in the first six months of 2025, according to a new report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO). The data, sourced from Punjab Police, shows that an average of 85 women faced violence every day during the period under review.
The reported cases include incidents of rape, domestic abuse, kidnapping, honour killings, trafficking and cyber harassment. Lahore emerged as the most affected district, recording 340 rape cases, 3,018 kidnappings and 2,115 incidents of domestic violence. Other high-risk districts include Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib.
The report highlights serious issues of underreporting and lack of transparency, noting that several districts failed to provide complete data. SSDO stressed the need for urgent and coordinated action, calling for improved reporting mechanisms, faster judicial processes, and expanded support services for survivors.
The organisation urged provincial authorities to treat the rise in gender-based violence as a critical emergency and to implement systemic reforms to ensure the protection and empowerment of women across Punjab.
