National ( The cow news digital ) A recent annual report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has revealed a concerning rise in gender-based violence and other human rights violations across the country during 2025.
According to the report, Pakistan witnessed a 25 percent increase in incidents of gender-based violence compared to previous years. Among the most alarming figures, 470 women were killed in the name of so-called “honour” during the year. The report also documented 1,332 cases of women killed in domestic violence incidents, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of women in households and communities.
Cyber harassment against women has also grown significantly, with 2,586 reported cases recorded in 2025. In addition, law enforcement agencies registered 3,815 rape cases, reflecting both the scale of the problem and increasing reporting of such crimes.
The HRCP report placed Pakistan at 145th out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index, underscoring the country’s continued struggle with gender equality, access to opportunity, and protection of women’s rights.
Beyond gender-based violence, the report highlighted broader security and governance challenges. A total of 1,272 terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations were recorded during the year, resulting in 3,417 deaths and 2,134 injuries nationwide.
The commission also noted a sharp rise in controversial police encounters. Across Pakistan, 1,155 such incidents were reported, leading to 1,696 deaths. In Punjab alone, the Counter Terrorism Department accounted for 1,128 operations that resulted in 977 fatalities, raising renewed questions about policing practices and accountability.
Overcrowding in prisons remains a critical issue, with occupancy levels reaching 171 percent of capacity. Meanwhile, an estimated 21,600 Pakistani citizens are currently incarcerated abroad, including 738 individuals detained in Indian prisons, among them fishermen.
The report further documented violations affecting children and marginalized communities. At least 3,600 cases of violence against children were recorded, alongside 1,107 kidnapping cases and 365 missing children reports. Additionally, 53 cases of child marriage and 52 cases involving child abuse linked to explicit material were reported.
The transgender community also faced severe risks, with 19 transgender individuals killed and two victims of acid attacks during the year. Most of these killings were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which recorded 10 such deaths.
HRCP concluded that rising poverty has further worsened conditions, pushing millions of additional people below the poverty line in 2025.
The findings highlight deep-rooted structural challenges in human rights protection, gender equality, and rule of law in Pakistan.
