Pakistan’s failure to provide justice for survivors of gender-based violence goes beyond mere procedural shortcomings, revealing deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and administrative deficiencies within the country’s governance structures.
The systemic denial of justice leads to victims being disregarded, discouraged, and deprived of fair hearings, rendering justice an unfulfilled pledge that perpetuates violence and marginalization, as highlighted in a report.
The report emphasizes that patriarchy in Pakistan is not just a social mindset but a well-entrenched system that influences laws, institutions, and power dynamics, relegating women to subordinate roles and normalizing violence as a tool of control.
Instances like honor killings, rape, acid attacks, forced marriages, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse persist in Pakistan, not as isolated incidents but as mechanisms to uphold patriarchal authority, the report further elaborated.
The report also sheds light on the challenges faced by women from religious minority communities in Pakistan, such as Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, who endure discrimination based on gender, faith, caste, and socio-economic status, often remaining excluded from adequate legal protection and social support.
