Report by: Kiran Zehri
Quetta: The Aurat Foundation has released its annual report on violence against women in Balochistan for the year 2024.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of incidents of violence occurring between January and December 2024, highlighting the growing situation of crimes against women in Pakistan.
Incidents of Violence in Balochistan
According to the report, 73 cases of violence against women were recorded in Balochistan, including murder, honor killings, domestic violence, harassment, suicides, and sexual assault:
43 women and 14 men were killed, including 19 women and 14 men who were killed in the name of honor.
4 women committed suicide due to domestic issues.
7 women were sexually assaulted.
2 cases of abduction of women were reported.
1 woman was harassed.
2 cases of domestic violence against women were recorded.
*National Overview of Gender-Based Violence*
The report also reveals that the rate of crimes against women in Pakistan is increasing at an alarming rate:
Punjab leads in gender-based violence cases, with 6,624 cases of sexual assault out of 7,010 reported nationwide, accounting for 94.5% of the total.
In Sindh, 1,666 cases of abduction of women were reported.
Sindh also reported 258 cases of honor killings, which account for more than half of all honor killings in the country.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 187 cases of sexual assault, and Balochistan reported 11 cases.
The Aurat Foundation’s report emphasizes that many cases of violence against women often go unreported, particularly in areas such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh.
Social stigma, fear, and lack of family support prevent women from reporting incidents, which brings to light the darker aspects of gender discrimination.
The Aurat Foundation has recommended several measures to address and prevent violence against women:
Gender-sensitive training for police to effectively handle cases involving women.
Timely registration of cases and ensuring transparent investigations.
Strict enforcement of existing laws to prevent crimes against women.
Providing women with opportunities in education and politics so they can stand up for their rights.
The report also stresses that social development is impossible without providing equal rights to women.
Tribal customs and other factors that undermine women’s rights need to be addressed through educational, financial, and administrative reforms.
The Aurat Foundation’s report highlights the grave issue of violence against women in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.
It is a challenge not only for the government but also for the public to take serious steps toward resolving this issue.
Change can only be achieved through the enforcement of laws and a shift in societal attitudes.
