At least 105,571 cases of missing women were reported in Pakistan’s Punjab province between 2021 and 2025, as per a minority rights organization. More than 70,773 cases were linked to abductions, with 80,767 cases later being canceled, leaving families in uncertainty and distress.
The rights group highlighted that around 77% of cases, involving approximately 80,000 women, claimed they left home willingly, often for marriage, but social pressures and limited choices may have influenced these statements. Despite many cases being closed, the impact on families persists, with 3,864 cases under investigation and 3,258 women still unaccounted for.
Additionally, 1,432 cases with identified suspects remain unresolved, while 1,820 cases face delays due to legal issues. Only 612 women have been recovered and presented before courts, a small number compared to the scale of the crisis. The organization emphasized that each missing woman represents a disruption and a human story, not just a statistic.
Amidst 3,258 women still missing in Punjab, families endure ongoing uncertainty, hoping for their return. The issue extends beyond numbers, reflecting the emotional toll on women and families. The organization stressed that while the figures are alarming, the true cost is the human suffering involved.
