Annual Report Highlights Alarming Increase in Violence Against Women in Balochistan

Quetta:The annual report on violence against women in Balochistan, covering the period from January to December 2024, was released by the Women Foundation in Quetta. The report sheds light on the disturbing rise in incidents of violence targeting women, compiling data on various cases of abuse. It underscores the growing problem of gender-based violence and its severe implications for women’s dignity and safety.

According to the report, violence against women is a major global issue, with countless women facing discrimination, inequality, and abuse in societies around the world. The Foundation’s report emphasizes that such violence is not just a social issue, but a critical area for policy-making, urging both national and provincial governments, political parties, and legal experts to take stronger action in combating violence against women.

The report revealed that over the past year, 73 incidents of violence were recorded in Balochistan, with 43 women and 14 men losing their lives in violent acts. Out of these, 19 women and 14 men were killed in the name of honor. Additionally, 4 women committed suicide due to domestic issues, 1 woman was harassed, 2 were victims of domestic violence, and 7 women were subjected to rape, while 2 were abducted.

On a broader national scale, the report draws attention to the higher rates of violence in Punjab, where sexual assault cases are most prevalent. Of the 7,010 reported cases of sexual violence across Pakistan, 6,624 occurred in Punjab, representing 94.5% of the national total. Sindh recorded the highest number of abductions, with 1,666 cases, while the province also led the country in honor killings, with 258 such incidents reported.

The report also highlights the alarming fact that many incidents of gender-based violence remain unreported, especially in provinces like Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, due to social stigma, fear, and lack of family support. Despite an increase in reported cases, the Foundation warns that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher.

The Women Foundation has called for urgent reforms, including specialized training for law enforcement officers, prompt registration of cases, and transparency in the judicial process. It also stresses the need for greater societal involvement to ensure the effective implementation of laws against gender-based violence.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the negative impact of outdated cultural practices, which often contradict Islamic principles and undermine women’s rights. To improve the status of women, the Foundation advocates for their political, educational, and economic empowerment. The report argues that educating women and providing them with opportunities for participation in all sectors of society is essential to ensure their rights are protected.

The Foundation has also pushed for a comprehensive action plan to combat violence against women, advocating for a collaborative approach to address this ongoing crisis. The report concludes that the root causes of gender-based violence lie in deep-rooted societal attitudes, and only through sustained efforts and policy reforms can real change be achieved.