Violence Against Women Surges in Balochistan in 2025, 123 Cases Reported

Quetta: An alarming increase in violence against women was recorded in Balochistan during 2025, according to an annual report released by the non-governmental organization Aurat Foundation Balochistan.

The report states that a total of 123 incidents of violence against women were reported across the province during the year. These incidents included murder, so-called honor killings, abduction, harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

According to the data, 65 women and 25 men were killed in 2025, of whom 33 women and 25 men were murdered in the name of “honor.” The report also revealed that two women died by suicide after becoming distressed due to domestic circumstances. Other recorded cases included harassment of five women, domestic violence against nine women, sexual assault of six women, and the abduction of 11 women.

Meanwhile, the Women and Juveniles Facilitation Center (WJFC) received 129 applications throughout the year. These included 35 cases of harassment, 37 of domestic violence, four of missing persons, four of threats, 14 of blackmailing, one case of digital violence, and eight cases of financial fraud.

The report noted that police provided counseling and medical assistance to affected women. However, it emphasized that many incidents of violence remain unreported due to social pressure and fear, highlighting the need for stronger protection mechanisms and greater awareness to address violence against women in the province.