Addressing Domestic Violence in Pakistan

Domestic violence remains a pervasive and deeply troubling issue in Pakistan, affecting
individuals across the country and beyond. Despite considerable efforts to address the
pressing issue, it persists due to entrenched cultural, social, and systemic challenges.
The article aims to explore the multifaceted nature of domestic violence in Pakistan,
examining its causes, impacts, and potential solutions.
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse
occurring within the home. In Pakistan, this issue manifests in various forms such as
physical assault, emotional manipulation, economic deprivation, and forced marriages.
Alarming statistics indicate that domestic abuse is a pervasive issue in Pakistan,
affecting women from all walks of life, regardless of age, location, or socioeconomic
status.
Recent cases of domestic violence highlight the severe challenges and urgency for
effective responses. Social media personality Qandeel Baloch was murdered by her
brother in an honor killing. Her case exemplifies how societal and familial pressures can
escalate to extreme violence. Seven-year-old Zainab Ansari was abducted, raped, and
murdered in Kasur, Punjab. The brutality of her murder and the failure of authorities to
prevent similar incidents captured national attention and led to widespread protests.
Another victim Kainat Soomro, from Sindh, was gang-raped by influential men. Her case
faced significant obstacles, including societal pressure and intimidation, highlighting the
challenges faced by victims in seeking justice.
Perveen Bibi was attacked with acid by her husband in Punjab. Acid attacks are
particularly a brutal form of domestic violence, causing severe physical and emotional
harm. Noor Mukadam was brutally murdered by Zahir Jaffer in Islamabad. Her case
received massive media attention and public outrage, emphasizing issues of wealth and
social influence in legal outcomes. Samia Shahid, a British-Pakistani woman, was found
dead under suspicious circumstances. Further investigation revealed signs of domestic
violence and potential honor-killing.
Amina, from Lahore, was severely beaten and tortured by her husband. Her abuse was
documented and shared on social media, leading to widespread condemnation and
calls for justice. Sara, a resident of Karachi, survived a horrific acid attack by her
husband. The attack was allegedly motivated by marital disputes and her decision to
leave the abusive relationship. Fatima, from Peshawar, endured severe physical abuse

from her husband and in-laws. Her case gained attention when she sought help from an
NGO and shared her story with the media.
Farida, from Multan, experienced prolonged domestic violence, including physical and
psychological abuse. Her case became known after she publicly spoke out and sought
legal help. Sania Zehra was subjected to severe physical abuse and torture by her
husband and his family. The abuse, driven by marital disputes and family
disagreements, drew significant attention.
The highlighted cases are just the tip of the iceberg as most of the domestic violence
incidents go unnoticed because traditional gender roles place women in subordinate
positions which leads to normalizing violence. Cultural norms and societal attitudes
further contribute to the perpetuation of domestic violence in Pakistan. Patriarchal
attitudes and the stigma associated with reporting abuse discourage victims from
seeking help. Many people perceive domestic violence as a private matter rather than a
criminal issue, reinforcing a cycle of silence and acceptance.
Although Pakistan has made progress with legislative measures such as the Domestic
Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2012, which aims to protect and support
victims. However, implementation has been inconsistent and questionable due to
certain reasons. Many victims as well as authorities are unaware of legal protections,
hindering access to help. Also, there is a scarcity of shelters, counseling services, and
legal aid, particularly in rural areas, making it difficult for victims to seek help and justice.
Societal judgment and family pressure discourage victims from coming forward. Fear of
ostracization and shame often forces victims into silence. Even with existing legal
frameworks, enforcement is challenging due to corruption, lack of training, and biases
within the judicial system.
Addressing domestic violence in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach including
but not limited to enhancing and strictly implementing laws is essential, including better
training for law enforcement and judicial officials. Public campaigns can educate
communities about the unacceptability of domestic violence and available resources.
Schools, media, and community leaders are crucial in changing societal attitudes.
Developing more shelters, counseling centers, and legal aid services is necessary for
comprehensive support. Collaborations with NGOs and human rights organizations can
aid in expanding these resources. Economic and educational empowerment can reduce
women’s vulnerability to domestic violence. Providing opportunities for economic
independence and education can help women escape abusive relationships.
Engaging communities in discussions about domestic violence can help shift cultural
norms and attitudes, fostering environments where abuse is not tolerated, and victims
are supported.

Domestic violence in Pakistan is a complex issue that requires a unified effort from all
sectors of society. While progress has been made, significant challenges persist. By
strengthening legal frameworks, increasing public awareness, expanding support
services, empowering women, and involving communities, Pakistan can advance
towards eliminating domestic violence and creating a safer, more equitable society.

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