A new report by the Aurat Foundation says a woman is either killed or subjected to violence nearly every other day in Balochistan.
The annual report for 2024 covers incidents from January to December. It highlights 73 documented cases of violence against women across Balochistan, including 43 murders and seven sexual assaults.
Nineteen of the killings were reportedly in the name of “honour.” Four suicides linked to domestic abuse and two abductions were recorded, along with one harassment case and two incidents of domestic violence.
The Aurat Foundation noted these figures may only scratch the surface. It cited fear, stigma, and societal pressures as reasons many cases go unreported.
“These figures represent only the surface of a deep-rooted issue,”
the Aurat Foundation said, pointing to cultural barriers that hinder victims from coming forward.
While Balochistan’s numbers are alarming, the report also shows that 94.5% of all sexual assault cases in Pakistan were recorded in Punjab — 6,624 in total. Sindh saw the highest number of abductions and honour killings. In Balochistan, 11 cases of sexual violence were officially registered.
The Aurat Foundation pointed to systemic issues in Balochistan, including limited enforcement of laws meant to protect women. It called for urgent reforms, such as specialized police training and faster registration of cases.
Cultural and tribal customs were identified as key barriers to justice. “The entrenched tribal mindset continues to marginalize women, depriving them of their basic rights,” the report says.
In 2024, the Aurat Foundation and the EVAWG Alliance ran a 16-day campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence. They presented a Charter of Demands to the government, urging comprehensive measures to prevent violence and support survivors.
The report calls for political, educational, and financial empowerment of women, alongside strict enforcement of laws against honour killings and child marriages.
“The challenges are immense, but action is essential,” the Aurat Foundation concluded.
“The rights and safety of women in Balochistan cannot remain a neglected issue.”