Violence against women surges in Sindh: Over 3,300 cases reported in 2024, says NGO report

A staggering rise in violence against women has been reported across Sindh, with 3,397 incidents of domestic abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping, and so-called honour killings documented in 2024 alone, according to a report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO).

The report, based on data collected from police departments under constitutional provisions, paints a grim picture of women's safety in the province. Karachi South emerged as one of the most dangerous zones, recording 487 cases of violence and kidnapping, while Malir and Karachi West reported 153 and 183 abduction cases, respectively. Karachi Central was not far behind, with 21 incidents of sexual assault, whereas Karachi South recorded an additional 19 such cases.

In interior Sindh, the situation is equally alarming. Ghotki alone witnessed 27 cases of sexual violence, while Shikarpur reported 23 women killed in the name of honour. The report further highlights increased violence in Matiari, Qambar, Jacobabad, and again, Ghotki, signalling a widespread trend of gender-based abuse throughout the province.

Despite the thousands of reported cases, no convictions or punishments have been reported, raising serious concerns about the implementation of laws, accountability of perpetrators, and the efficacy of law enforcement agencies.

Speaking on the findings, SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas emphasised that all figures were sourced directly from official police records, adding weight to the authenticity of the data. He stressed the urgent need for government action, legal reforms, and protection mechanisms for women facing systemic violence.