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Karachi Sees Alarming Rise in Domestic Violence and Harassment Cases

Karachi has recorded 388 cases of domestic violence, harassment, and abuse from January to April 2025, with domestic violence being the most reported issue. Authorities resolved 190 of 297 domestic abuse complaints, leaving nearly 100 pending, highlighting delays in victim relief. The city also saw 83 harassment and 19 sexual assault complaints, with many cases still under investigation. Pakistan remains one of the most dangerous countries for women, ranking last in the Global Gender Gap Index and facing widespread honor killings and child marriage.

Key Points: Karachi Domestic Violence Surge: 388 Cases in 4 Months

  • 388 adults and minors faced abuse in Karachi from Jan-April 2025
  • Domestic violence tops complaints at 297, with 100 cases pending
  • Harassment complaints hit 83, sexual assault cases at 19
  • Pakistan ranks last in global gender gap; 2,000+ domestic violence cases in 2024
3 min read

Pakistan's Karachi witnesses alarming rise in domestic violence, harassment cases

Karachi reports 388 domestic violence and harassment cases in early 2025. Delays in justice and rising gender-based abuse highlight Pakistan's crisis.

"Women experience the most severe consequences of Pakistan's structural inequalities in the form of a femicide crisis. - Genocide Watch report"

Islamabad, May 11

At least 388 adults and 10 minors faced domestic violence, harassment, abuse, and related crimes in Pakistan's Karachi from January-April this year, according to the latest statistics revealed by the Police Women and Child Protection Cell.

The report showcases how abuse unfolded behind closed doors in Karachi, with domestic violence being the most widely reported issue. Authorities have received 297 complaints about domestic abuse from January-April. Among these, 190 complaints were resolved while nearly 100 cases remain pending, demonstrating delays in providing relief to victims, The Express Tribune reported. Police lodged three formal cases in domestic violence incidents.

Karachi has been witnessing rise in harassment cases. The protection cell received 83 complaints related to harassment and intimidation. Among these complaints, 42 were resolved, while action on 41 complaints is still being taken. Officials said that one formal case was lodged in a case involving harassment.

Furthermore, the cell received 19 complaints related to sexual assault and other forms of intimidation. Among these, nine complaints were resolved while 10 cases are still pending investigation and legal action, The Express Tribune reported.

A report recently detailed that human rights abuses have increased in Pakistan, particularly for the most vulnerable groups. Women experience the most severe consequences of Pakistan's structural inequalities in the form of a femicide crisis.

Gender-based violence, including acid attacks, forced and child marriage, rape, trafficking, forced conversion, and domestic abuse remain widespread in Pakistan. Hundreds of women are killed each year in so-called "honour killings", often by relatives, over perceived family shame.

At least 405 cases were reported in 2024; however, the real figures are likely more, due to low reporting and weak and inconsistent enforcement, according to a report in Genocide Watch. More than 2,000 domestic violence cases and 5,000 accounts of rape were recorded in 2024, demonstrating Pakistan's status as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women.

According to a 2025 United Nations report, two out of every three Pakistani women are not given reproductive autonomy, and they face abuse and pressure about their reproductive health. In September, the Lahore High Court ruled that marriages after puberty are valid under Islamic law, as girl marriage remains widespread in Pakistan, with millions married under the age of 18 years, according to the report in Genocide Watch.

Pakistan was ranked at the last spot in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index, and it faces an education crisis, with over 21 million children reportedly out of school due to poverty, social pressures, child labour, and discrimination.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. In societies where patriarchy is deeply rooted, most cases go unreported. The fact that Karachi has nearly 100 domestic violence cases pending shows how slow the system works. We can learn from their mistakes and strengthen our own mechanisms for women's protection.
A
Arjun K
As an Indian, I feel sad but not surprised. We have similar issues in parts of India too - honor killings, domestic violence, child marriage. The whole region needs cultural change. Education and economic independence for women are the only real solutions. Laws alone won't help if society doesn't change.
M
Meera T
This is what happens when religious extremism takes over governance. Pakistan's ranking at the bottom of gender gap index should be a wake-up call for their policymakers. India is not perfect, but at least we have more women in parliament, more girls in schools, and stronger legal frameworks. Still a long way to go.
D
Deepak U
The 2,000 domestic violence cases in just one year is alarming, but I'm sure actual numbers are much higher. Many women probably don't even report due to fear or family pressure. Social stigma around divorce and single women makes it worse. We see similar struggles in rural India. Time for both countries to prioritize women's safety.
J
James A
Living in the US now but originally from India, I find this deeply troubling. Pakistan's situation reminds me of stories my grandmother told about old India. The sad reality is that 21 million kids out of school will perpetuate this cycle. Education is the only way to break the cycle of violence and poverty.

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