The Human Rights Council of Pakistan disclosed that 258 rape cases were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2025, with only one conviction. The council’s president highlighted that 5% of women in the region faced regular violence, and 30% of gender-based violence cases were reported, leaving 70% unreported. Incidents of harassment, including in universities, were also noted in the report, with concerns raised about traditional practices like swara.
The report also highlighted a surge in digital harassment, with 160,000 cybercrime cases reported in 2025. However, a significant number of incidents went unreported due to victims’ lack of awareness about reporting cybercrimes. The council representatives called for legislative measures to protect women’s rights, including approval of women’s empowerment policies and laws addressing acid attacks and domestic violence. They emphasized the need for special courts and funds to handle gender-based violence cases.
The report expressed worries about violence against transgender individuals, noting instances of killings and forced displacement within the community. The council urged for stronger actions to empower women and safeguard their rights, emphasizing the importance of government intervention and legal protection for vulnerable groups.
