Syed Ali Shah:
Quetta: The Aurat Foundation’s annual report revealed 73 incidents of violence against women in Balochistan during 2024. The grim statistics show that every second day, a woman becomes a victim of murder or torture in the province.
The data highlights 43 women and 14 men were killed, with 19 women and 14 men murdered in the name of honor. Four women committed suicide due to domestic issues, while others faced harassment, domestic violence, rape, or abduction. Seven cases of rape and two of abduction were documented.
While Balochistan’s numbers are concerning, the report places Punjab at the forefront of gender-based violence nationally. Out of 7,010 reported rape cases across Pakistan, 6,624 occurred in Punjab—a staggering 94.5%. Sindh reported the highest number of honor killings, with 258 cases.
The Aurat Foundation emphasized that the disparity in cases across provinces is due to underreporting in regions like Balochistan, driven by social stigma, fear, and lack of support. The report underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms, including special training for police, prompt case registration, and enforcement of existing laws.
The foundation called for public mobilization to eradicate societal norms that perpetuate violence and demanded educational empowerment and political representation for women to combat entrenched inequality.
