The recent gang rape of a minor girl by policemen in custody in Pakistan’s Sindh province has raised concerns about institutional accountability. While the arrest of six policemen is seen as a step towards justice, there are calls for broader accountability beyond just junior officers. The incident highlights serious procedural failures and the need for a more comprehensive approach to address such abuses.
Female detainees, including minors, were reportedly held in a private location with male police officers, constituting illegal detention. The issue of sexual assault, though shocking, underscores a larger problem of the state failing in its legal duty. The use of detention as a means of coercion, especially to pressure male relatives in separate cases, is deemed unacceptable and highlights systemic flaws in the justice system.
The absence of female police officers and functional women’s protection cells points to administrative negligence, with safeguards against custodial abuse remaining largely unimplemented. Calls for a shift towards institutional responsibility rather than individual guilt have been emphasized. The need for mandatory custodial audits and a zero-tolerance policy for procedural violations, especially concerning women and minors, has been underscored.
In December last year, a report by Sahil, an Islamabad-based organization monitoring gender-based violence, revealed a significant increase in crimes against women in Pakistan. Data collected from national newspapers showed a rise of nearly 25% in reported incidents from 2024 to 2025, with cases including murder, abduction, physical assault, suicide, and rape. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address gender-based violence and ensure the safety and protection of women and minors.
