Shocking GBV spike in Punjab

Islamabad:Lahore reported the highest number of rape cases, followed by Faisalabad and Kasur in the Punjab province as recorded by the district wise analysis of the gender based violence (GBV) incidences conducted by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).

The organisation released its January to December 2024 report on the district wise analysis of gender based violence (GBV) cases across Punjab, revealing a disturbing increase in violence against women and and failure of the justice system to ensure accountability. While thousands of cases were reported the conviction rate remains negligible. The SSDO report was compiled using data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) law and was analyzed based on crime rates per capita across Punjab’s districts.

The report focuses on four major categories rape, honour killings, kidnappings and domestic violence. It highlights that both urban and rural areas have witnessed a significant rise in such crimes while conviction rates remain disappointingly low.

According to the findings, Lahore reported the highest number of rape cases at 532, followed by Faisalabad 340 and Kasur 271 . However, convictions remained scarce with only 2 in Lahore and 6 in Kasur. No convictions were recorded in other districts. When adjusted for population, Kasur (25.5 per 100,000) and Pakpattan (25 per 100,000) emerged as having particularly high rates, suggesting that smaller districts especially rural areas pose increasing risks for women. Faisalabad had the highest number of honour killings with 31 cases, followed by Rajanpur and Sargodha with 15 each.

Shockingly, not a single perpetrator was convicted. On a per capita basis, Rajanpur 2.9 and Khushab 2.5 had the highest rates, underscoring how harmful cultural norms continue to threaten women’s lives. Kidnappings was the most frequently reported crime. Lahore alone recorded 4,510 kidnappings cases, with only 5 resulting in convictions. Faisalabad 1,610, Kasur 1,230 , Sheikhupura 1,111 and Multan 970, followed closely none of these districts recorded any convictions. In terms of per capita rates, Lahore led with 128.2 per 100,000, followed by Kasur 115.8, Sheikhupura 103.6, Khanewal 84.9 and Okara 77. Gujranwala recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases 561 followed by Sahiwal 68 and Lahore 56 , Again no convictions were reported. On a per capita basis, Gujranwala had the highest rate 34.8, followed by Chiniot 11, reflecting the widespread and growing nature of domestic violence in both urban and rural areas.

SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas stated that while police reporting has improved, the courts have delivered very few convictions. He added that the report includes only those cases formally registered by Punjab Police , many cases go unreported or victims are unable to file reports. The purpose of this report is to urge judicial reforms and draw institutional attention to crimes against women. He also acknowledged the Punjab government's initiatives like the Women Safety App and Virtual Police Stations which have earned global recognition but stressed the need to raise public awareness so women can utilize these tools effectively.

SSDO Senior Director of Programmes Shahid Khan Jatoi added that many kidnappings cases mask deeper crimes such as Trafficking in person, forced conversions, ransom, rape and murder necessitating immediate state intervention. He also highlighted that colour coded maps and district-level data in the report show that several smaller districts are far more affected than larger cities.