Violence against women in Pakistan is deeply ingrained in societal structures, supported by traditional councils, overlooked by authorities, and perpetuated through media narratives, a local media report revealed.
The report highlighted the normalization of abuse, indicating a lack of respect for women’s autonomy. It emphasized that punitive actions alone are insufficient to dismantle this harmful system, stressing the need for genuine justice over silence.
Instances of gender-based violence, such as the recent acid attack on physician Mahnoor Narsir and the tragic deaths of individuals like Sana Yousaf and Noor Mukadam, underscore the dangerous environment many women in Pakistan face daily.
The report also shed light on the concerning low conviction rates for crimes against women, the state’s hesitance to address traditional councils’ role, and media involvement that perpetuates a culture of impunity, leaving women vulnerable and without adequate protection.
The judiciary’s failure to deliver justice effectively, as evidenced by reduced sentences and lenient treatment in gender violence cases, reflects a broader systemic issue of reluctance to challenge patriarchal norms and tribal authority in Pakistan.
