Over 7,500 Women Killed in Pakistan in Four Years
Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reveals 173,367 cases of violence against women from 2021-2024, including 1,553 honour killings and rising incidents of rape and domestic abuse.
ISLAMABAD: Over 7,500 women, including 1,553 killed in the name of honour, lost their lives in Pakistan from 2021 to 2024, according to data presented by Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar in the National Assembly on Friday. The figures, compiled by the National Police Bureau, also show that 17,771 cases of rape and gang-rape were reported during this period, with 121 women subjected to sexual assault while in custody.
Domestic violence remains widespread, with 9,799 women reportedly brutalized by men within their own homes. Additionally, 632 cases of sexual harassment were reported in workplaces. In total, 173,367 different incidents of violence against women were recorded across the country over four years. Despite government efforts to curb such crimes, the data indicates a rising trend, with 30,757 cases reported in 2021, increasing to 61,997 in 2024.
The year 2023 saw the highest number of female murders, with 2,459 women killed, including 392 honour killings. Acid attacks also remained a concern, with 127 incidents reported, while kidnappings affected 89,599 women over the four-year period.
Minister Tarar attributed the prevalence of violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to entrenched societal norms and weak law enforcement, noting that ongoing efforts are being made to address these issues. He cited specific cases, including Shanti in Karachi and Sidra Arab of Rawalpindi, where legal action was taken in accordance with the law.
Tarar emphasized that the increasing number of reported cases also reflects greater awareness among women, improved access to justice mechanisms, and enhanced media coverage, indicating growing confidence in reporting such crimes.
During the Question Hour, opposition PTI lawmakers staged a brief walkout to highlight a lack of quorum, though Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah confirmed the house was in order. PTI members later returned and participated in proceedings. Sher Afzal Marwat of PTI raised concerns over the absence of several ministers, noting that only a few were present.
In the session, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry tabled two bills — the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Netting of Financial Arrangements Bill, 2025 — which were referred to the relevant standing committees.
The National Assembly is scheduled to meet next on Monday evening at 4:30 pm, with ongoing discussions expected on measures to combat violence against women and strengthen legal protections.
