There is almost a tried-and-tested script when it comes to dealing with violence against women and children in Pakistan. A woman is attacked. A child is abused. People are outraged. Parliament springs into action. A committee is summoned. Another law is drafted. And, naturally, the punishment is made tougher because apparently the problem was that the law was not frightening enough. What successive governments keep ignoring is that Pakistan does not lack laws to protect women and children from violence, rape and harassment. It lacks effective enforcement. This means strengthening the entire chain of justice, from the police’s first response to investigation, forensic evidence, prosecution and the courts. Without institutional capacity and accountability at every stage, even well-drafted laws can become little more than statements of intent. The National Assembly’s Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming has rightly expressed concern over the rising cases of violence against women and girls. It has called for better investigations, proper preservation of evidence and faster prosecution. The Senate’s Interior Committee has also approved amendments proposing tougher punishment for crimes including acid attacks and abuse of domestic workers.
These steps are welcome. But the country has passed laws and introduced tougher punishments before. The continued occurrence of such crimes shows that legislation alone is not acting as a strong deterrent. Of course, perpetrators must be punished. But punishment comes after the crime. It cannot by itself prevent the next crime. A total of 3,630 child abuse cases were reported across Pakistan in 2025, according to figures released by Sahil, which monitors violence against children and women. According to the organisation, this represents an 8.0 per cent increase, or 266 more cases, than in 2024. Its data showed that girls accounted for 1,924 cases, or 53 per cent of victims, while boys made up 1,625 cases, or 47 per cent. Another 116 cases involved newborn babies. At the same time, many cases never reach the police because victims fear social pressure, retaliation and blame. This means the problem is much larger than official figures suggest.
Recent cases have once again raised questions about whether the laws are acting as a deterrent. The growing involvement of juveniles in serious sexual offences points to a critical crack in our social infrastructure. We are seeing unprecedented levels of exposure to adult content coupled with a complete lack of education and open discussion. This is perhaps the most uncomfortable but important part. Schools should provide age-appropriate education about personal boundaries, inappropriate touching, grooming, consent and how to seek help. Parents also need guidance on discussing these issues without shame or fear. Pakistan needs fewer announcements and more results. A law means little if a victim cannot get justice and a perpetrator believes there is little chance of being punished. Punitive measures after an incident cannot substitute for the urgent behavioural and societal changes needed to address this crisis at its root. Anything less will allow the cycle of violence and impunity to continue.
