In Pakistan, the abuse of women continues to be a pervasive issue, affecting women across socio-economic classes, geographical regions, and cultural backgrounds. Despite progress in legislative reforms and advocacy for women’s rights, many women in the country still face various forms of abuse, including domestic violence, honor killings, acid attacks, sexual harassment, and forced marriages. The abuse of women in Pakistan is deeply rooted in a complex web of social, cultural, and religious norms, making it a persistent and widespread crisis.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent forms of abuse against women in Pakistan. Reports indicate that a significant number of women experience physical, emotional, and psychological abuse at the hands of their husbands or other family members. This violence often goes unreported due to societal pressures, fear of retaliation, and the lack of support systems for women.
The societal expectation for women to remain silent about domestic abuse, coupled with a judicial system that is slow and often inaccessible to victims, further exacerbates the problem. Many women face barriers when seeking help, as laws protecting women from domestic violence are either not enforced or ignored. While Pakistan passed the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act in 2013, implementation remains weak in many parts of the country.
Honor Killings
Honor killings remain a tragic reality for many women in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas. Women are often killed by male family members for allegedly bringing “dishonor” to the family, whether through acts such as marrying against the family’s wishes, seeking a divorce, or even being victims of rape. Despite the enactment of laws aimed at preventing honor killings, such as the 2016 anti-honor killing law, these crimes continue due to cultural norms and the unwillingness of local authorities to intervene.
According to human rights organizations, hundreds of women are murdered in the name of “honor” each year, and in many cases, perpetrators are pardoned by the victim’s family, leaving justice unserved.
Acid Attacks
Acid attacks are another heinous form of violence against women in Pakistan. These attacks, often motivated by jealousy, personal disputes, or rejected marriage proposals, leave victims with severe physical and psychological scars. Acid attacks are particularly common in rural areas where access to justice is limited, and perpetrators often escape punishment due to inadequate law enforcement.
While Pakistan passed the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill in 2011, which aims to regulate the sale of acid and impose strict punishments on perpetrators, acid violence persists. Victims of acid attacks often face a long road to recovery, not only physically but also emotionally, as they grapple with stigma and societal rejection.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment remains a widespread issue in Pakistan, affecting women in both public and private spaces. Women face harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, public transportation, and even on the streets. Despite the passing of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act in 2010, women continue to encounter harassment with little recourse to justice.
The fear of social stigma and retaliation prevents many women from reporting cases of harassment, and when they do, they often face challenges in proving their cases or receiving adequate legal protection.
Child and Forced Marriages
Child and forced marriages are also common in Pakistan, especially in rural areas where traditional customs and patriarchal values dominate. Girls as young as 12 are often forced into marriages to settle family disputes, pay off debts, or for economic reasons. Despite laws that set the legal age of marriage at 18, child marriages continue, often with little intervention from authorities.
Many young girls subjected to forced marriages experience physical and emotional abuse, and their opportunities for education and personal growth are severely curtailed.
The Way Forward
Addressing the abuse of women in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach, involving stronger legal frameworks, social awareness campaigns, and better support systems for victims. While the country has made strides in enacting laws aimed at protecting women, the real challenge lies in their enforcement. Moreover, societal attitudes toward women must shift to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect, free from the fear of violence and abuse.
Until these changes are realized, the abuse of women in Pakistan will remain a serious and ongoing issue.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance