In Pakistan, survivors of sexual violence face not only the physical and emotional scars of their ordeal but also the added burden of navigating a system riddled with apathy and inefficiency. Institutions meant to protect and deliver justice often perpetuate the harm, with indifferent attitudes and incompetent investigations deepening the survivors’ trauma. High-profile cases, such as the gang rape of a woman in front of her family near Lahore, highlight the systemic failures that continue to undermine justice. These alarming trends demand an urgent reevaluation of how gender-based violence is addressed in the country.

In Pakistan, survivors of violence frequently find themselves ensnared in a labyrinthine system that exacerbates their plight instead of delivering solace and justice. From the initial moments of seeking recourse, they encounter an atmosphere rife with doubt and stigma, perpetuated by institutions ostensibly established to shield them. This pervasive failure to extend genuine support, coupled with bungled and often amateurish investigations, magnifies the anguish of survivors. It fosters an oppressive climate of trepidation and enforced silence, deterring others from seeking redress.

The grim tapestry of existence for countless women in Pakistan is interwoven with relentless acts of violence and an ongoing violation of their bodily autonomy. Harrowing instances of sexual harassment, assault, and rape stand alongside the omnipresent specter of domestic violence and the barbarity of so-called “honor killings.”

These abhorrent crimes—spanning the gamut from the rape of women and children to abductions—lay bare the pervasive dread and ceaseless hazards that women and girls face daily. This persists despite the codification of stringent legal measures aimed at meting out severe penalties to offenders, including capital punishment.

A stark symptom of a broader epidemic of violence against women, these acts are particularly glaring in Punjab, where 10,201 cases of gender-based violence were reported in 2023 by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation—marking a distressing 16% increase compared to the previous year.

The origins of this crisis lie entrenched in deep-seated patriarchal traditions and societal constructs that perpetuate male dominance and female subordination. Yet, the systemic lapses in legal and institutional frameworks enabling this pervasive state of affairs warrant equal scrutiny.

Although legislative strides have been made to combat gender-based violence, the law enforcement machinery often proves ineffectual or apathetic in implementing these statutes decisively. This fosters an ecosystem of impunity, emboldening perpetrators who operate under the assumption that their transgressions will carry negligible consequences. This stark impunity is underscored by the Punjab Gender Parity Report 2022, which disclosed a mere 4% conviction rate for gender-based violence cases in the province, with the vast majority culminating in acquittals.

In a country where survivors of sexual violence often confront skepticism and humiliation from institutions designated to safeguard them, the pursuit of justice becomes an uphill battle. The entrenched lack of compassion, combined with inept and poorly executed investigations by medico-legal officers and police, exacerbates the trauma endured by survivors, while dissuading others from speaking out.

A chilling instance of this systemic failure emerged when a woman was reportedly gang-raped in the presence of her husband and child near Lahore. This horrifying incident laid bare the Punjab police’s habitual mishandling of such critical cases. Instead of swiftly providing support to the survivor and her family or initiating immediate legal proceedings, officials from the Hafizabad and Nankana Sahib districts engaged in a jurisdictional tussle, revealing their indifference and incompetence in the face of a tragedy demanding urgent action.

Given the alarming rise in such incidents, it is essential for the Punjab government and local law enforcement to shake off their lethargy and embrace a proactive approach. This necessitates prioritizing comprehensive investigations, ensuring swift and effective prosecution, and establishing mechanisms to extend empathetic support to victims.

Nationwide, law enforcement’s dismal history of neglecting survivors of gender-based violence underscores the need for profound institutional reform. Police personnel must undergo rigorous training designed to equip them with the sensitivity and professionalism required to address cases of sexual violence effectively. Simultaneously, there must be a concerted effort to modernize investigative and prosecutorial processes, providing officials with the tools and expertise to secure convictions. Only through such measures can the entrenched culture of impunity surrounding crimes against women be dismantled.

The pervasive negligence and apathy in addressing sexual violence cases across Pakistan highlight an urgent call for systemic change. Legislation, while vital, is insufficient if it remains unenforced or undermined by ingrained institutional biases. Transforming law enforcement and judicial systems to adopt a victim-centric approach is critical. By holding offenders accountable and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women, Pakistan can aspire to build a society rooted in justice, equity, and safety for all.

The persistent negligence and insensitivity of Pakistan’s law enforcement and judicial systems in handling cases of sexual violence reflect a dire need for reform. It is not enough to have laws on paper; their enforcement must be robust, empathetic, and survivor-centered. Comprehensive training for police officers, modernized investigative tools, and the dismantling of the culture of impunity are critical steps toward ensuring justice for victims. Only by fostering accountability and prioritizing the safety and dignity of survivors can Pakistan hope to create a society where violence against women is neither tolerated nor ignored.