Lahore Leads Punjab in Rape Cases, But Convictions Remain Scarce: Report
News Desk
Islamabad: Punjab’s capital, Lahore, reported the highest number of rape cases in 2024, with 532 incidents, followed by Faisalabad with 340 and Kasur with 271, according to an annual report released by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) on Tuesday.
However, convictions were exceedingly rare—only 2 in Lahore and 6 in Kasur—while no convictions were reported from any other districts. When adjusted for population, Kasur (25.5 per 100,000) and Pakpattan (25 per 100,000) recorded particularly high rape rates.
The district-wise analysis reveals a disturbing surge in violence against women and an alarming failure of the justice system to ensure accountability. Despite thousands of reported cases, conviction rates remain negligible.
Compiled using data acquired through the Right to Information (RTI) law, the report categorizes GBV into four major crimes: rape, honour killings, kidnappings, and domestic violence. Crime rates were analyzed per capita across Punjab’s districts, revealing that both urban and rural areas have witnessed a significant rise in such crimes, with rural districts emerging as increasingly dangerous for women.
Honour Killings: Zero Accountability
Faisalabad topped the list for honour killings with 31 cases, followed by Rajanpur and Sargodha with 15 each. Shockingly, not a single perpetrator was convicted. On a per capita basis, Rajanpur (2.9 per 100,000) and Khushab (2.5 per 100,000) recorded the highest rates, highlighting the enduring threat posed by harmful cultural norms.
Kidnappings were the most frequently reported GBV crime. Lahore recorded 4,510 kidnapping cases, yet only 5 resulted in convictions. Other affected districts include Faisalabad (1,610), Kasur (1,230), Sheikhupura (1,111), and Multan (970), with none reporting any convictions. Per capita, Lahore (128.2 per 100,000), Kasur (115.8), Sheikhupura (103.6), Khanewal (84.9), and Okara (77) had the highest rates.
Unpunished Domestic Violence
Gujranwala recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases (561), followed by Sahiwal (68) and Lahore (56). Yet again, not a single conviction was reported. On a per capita basis, Gujranwala had the highest rate (34.8 per 100,000), followed by Chiniot (11), underscoring the deep-rooted and growing nature of domestic violence in both urban and rural areas.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas stated that while police reporting has improved, the judicial system continues to deliver very few convictions.
He noted that the report includes only officially registered cases with the Punjab Police, while many incidents remain unreported due to victims’ inability or unwillingness to file complaints. He emphasized that the purpose of the report is to press for judicial reforms and institutional action on crimes against women.
Abbas acknowledged initiatives like the Punjab government’s Women Safety App and Virtual Police Stations, which have received international recognition. However, he stressed the importance of raising public awareness so that women can effectively utilize these resources.
SSDO Senior Director of Programs Shahid Khan Jatoi pointed out that many kidnapping cases are in fact linked to more severe crimes such as trafficking in persons, forced conversions, ransom, rape, and murder—issues that demand immediate state intervention. He added that the report’s color-coded maps and district-level data highlight that smaller, often overlooked districts are facing disproportionately high rates of violence.
