Pakistan faces deep-rooted gender-based violence challenges

A recent report highlights that gender-based violence (GBV) remains a deep-rooted and multi-faceted challenge in Pakistan. Despite the existence of anti-rape legislation and domestic violence laws, the report notes that prevention measures and conviction rates remain low.

The persistence of GBV is attributed to a lack of political will, societal taboos, entrenched stereotypes, and judicial processes complicated by legal and procedural hurdles. Experts suggest that addressing the issue requires a multi-sectoral approach to dismantle the social ecosystem that nurtures violence against women, including changes to individual attitudes and community norms.

These findings follow a series of reported sexual assaults in Lahore, Punjab province. Recent incidents include the alleged rape of six women and the sexual assault of three young girls, one of whom was mentally challenged. These cases have occurred despite official claims of a zero-tolerance policy regarding gender-based violence in the region.