Lahore reports surge in sexual violence cases against women and girls

Multiple reports of sexual violence have emerged from Lahore, Punjab province, involving at least six women and three young girls. The incidents include the alleged rape of a mentally challenged 15-year-old girl in a deserted area, a woman being assaulted by her former husband in her home, and a gang rape involving a cab driver who reportedly used video blackmail to continue the abuse.

Other reported cases include a woman in Johar Town who alleges a man refused to marry her after she became pregnant following a physical relationship, as well as separate reports of repeated sexual assaults in Nishtar Colony and Shahdara Town. These incidents occur despite Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s stated zero-tolerance policy regarding gender-based violence.

Data from a July report by Sahil indicated a broader trend of violence in the country, recording 3,172 cases of gender-based violence across Pakistan during the first half of 2026. This figure included 18 cases involving transgender persons.