More than 15,000 cases reported between January and June 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 Punjab Police’s Right to Information (RTI), 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 fact sheet documents major categories of crimes, including sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, honor killings, trafficking, cyberstalking and sexual harassment. The report uses standardized rates per 100,000 women aged 18 and over to allow comparisons by district.
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According to the data, in the first half of 2025, a daily average of nine cases of sexual assault, 51 kidnappings and 24 incidents of domestic violence were recorded.
Lahore was 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 number of incidents of honor killings.
Other districts with persistently high incidence rates are Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib.
As for cyberbullying, only five districts (Okara, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Pakpattan and Gujrat) reported cases. SSDO attributed the low reporting to unequal access to digital complaints systems and significant under-reporting. In terms of trafficking-related crimes, Muzaffargarh and Pakpattan recorded the highest numbers.
The report raised serious concerns over lack of data from several districts. Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Sargodha did not submit the required information despite repeated directives from the Punjab Information Commission.
The SSDO noted that law enforcement agencies are legally required 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, the increase in reporting reflects better performance. He warned that large data gaps create misinformation, fuel public distrust and obscure the true scale of the crisis.
The report adds that, despite some progress, structural challenges continue to hinder justice, deterrence and protection of survivors.
Calling the situation “alarming”, the SSDO urged coordinated action to strengthen reporting and referral systems, improve police investigation capacity, ensure timely judicial proceedings and expand support services for survivors, including shelters, legal aid and psychosocial assistance.
The organization highlighted 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.
