Over 15,000 cases reported from Jan–Jun 2025, including 51 kidnappings and 24 incidents of domestic violence
At least 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, including an average of nine who are sexually assaulted, according to a biannual report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).
The findings, based on data collected through the Right to Information (RTI) from Punjab Police, highlight disturbing trends of gender-based violence, with more than 15,000 cases reported between January and June 2025.
The Violence Against Women Punjab 2025 factsheet documents major categories of offences including sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, honour killing, trafficking, cyber harassment and sexual harassment. The report uses standardised rates per 100,000 women aged 18 and above to allow district-wise comparisons.
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According to the data, the first half of 2025 saw a daily average of nine cases of sexual assault, 51 kidnappings and 24 incidents of domestic violence.
Lahore ranked as the highest-burden district, topping the list in sexual assault (340 cases), kidnapping (3,018 cases) and domestic violence (2,115 cases). The provincial capital also recorded one of the highest numbers of honour killing incidents.
Other districts with persistently high incidence rates include Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib.
For cyber harassment, only five districts — Okara, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Pakpattan and Gujrat — reported cases. SSDO attributed the low reporting to unequal access to digital complaint systems and significant underreporting. In trafficking-related offences, Muzaffargarh and Pakpattan recorded the highest figures.
The report raised serious concerns over missing data from several districts. Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Sargodha failed to submit the required information despite repeated directives from the Punjab Information Commission.
The SSDO noted that law enforcement agencies are legally obligated to publish these records under the RTI Act, and the absence of data undermines the transparency and accuracy of provincial records on violence against women.
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While SSDO said, increased reporting reflects improved performance. It warned that large gaps in data create disinformation, fuel public mistrust and obscure the true scale of the crisis.
The report added that despite some progress, structural challenges continue to hinder justice, deterrence and survivor protection.
Calling the situation ‘alarming’, the SSDO urged coordinated action to strengthen reporting and referral systems, enhance the investigative capacity of police, ensure timely judicial proceedings and expand survivor support services, including shelters, legal aid and psycho-social assistance.
The organisation stressed that only transparent data, responsive governance and community-driven awareness initiatives can enable Punjab to effectively combat gender-based violence and safeguard the rights, safety and dignity of women across the province.
