ISLAMABAD: More than 15,000 women faced violence in Punjab during the first six months of 2025, according to a bi-annual factsheet released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO). The data shows an average of 85 cases of violence against women reported every day across the province.
Daily Incidents Highlight Severity of Gender-Based Violence
Using information obtained from Punjab Police through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the factsheet recorded major categories of violence including rape, kidnapping, domestic violence, honour killing, trafficking, cyber harassment and sexual harassment. The data tracks case status under investigation, challaned, under trial, convicted, acquitted or withdrawn.
SSDO reported that an average of nine women were raped daily, 51 were kidnapped and 24 were subjected to domestic violence. The organization stated that while reporting has increased, gaps in justice and survivor protection remain significant.
Lahore Records Highest Number of Reported Crimes
Lahore ranked highest in reported cases of rape (340), kidnapping (3,018) and domestic violence (2,115). It also reported one of the highest numbers of honour killings. Other districts with high incidence rates include Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib.
Cyber Harassment and Trafficking Show Uneven Reporting
Only Okara, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Pakpattan and Gujrat reported cyber harassment cases, which SSDO attributes to underreporting and unequal access to digital complaint channels. Muzaffargarh and Pakpattan recorded the highest trafficking cases.
Multiple Districts Failed to Provide Mandatory Data
Several districts — including Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Sargodha — did not provide required data despite directives from the Punjab Information Commission. SSDO criticized Punjab Police for withholding information that is legally mandated to be publicly available, raising concerns about transparency and provincial record accuracy.
SSDO Calls for Stronger Systems and Survivor Support
The organization urged the government to strengthen reporting and referral systems, improve investigative capacity, ensure timely judicial proceedings and enhance support services such as shelters, legal aid and psycho-social assistance. SSDO emphasized that transparent data and responsive governance are necessary to combat gender-based violence and protect women’s rights in Punjab.
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