ISLAMABAD (HRNW): A disturbing increase in rape cases across Pakistan has been revealed in official statistics. According to government data, rape cases across the four provinces increased by 238 percent over the past four years, while the conviction rate remained extremely low.
Punjab recorded more than 42,000 rape cases during the past four and a half years, but convictions were secured in only 639 cases, resulting in a conviction rate of just 3.65 percent. Around 14,955 cases remain pending before courts.
According to the statistics, approximately one in every five cases in Punjab was cancelled before reaching the courts, raising concerns about investigation procedures, case registration and access to justice for survivors.
The data shows that Punjab recorded only 15 rape cases in 2021, while the number increased to 1,846 cases in 2025. In addition, 214 cases relating to harassment and sexual abuse were registered, but only one resulted in a conviction.
The report also recorded 29,555 gang-rape cases in Punjab. The conviction rate in these cases was also extremely low, with 26 accused persons acquitted for every conviction. A total of 5,694 accused persons remain absconding, potentially making access to justice even more difficult for victims.
In Sindh, the total number of rape-related cases stood at 1,798. The number of absconding accused in the province reportedly increased nearly threefold within one year.
The available data for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa showed no reported cases of harassment and sexual abuse, while Balochistan recorded no case involving murder following rape. However, two gang-rape cases were reported in the province.
Statistics relating to rape cases in Islamabad were not provided, preventing a complete comparison of the situation in the federal capital with the provinces.
The figures have raised serious questions not only about the increase in reported sexual crimes but also about case registration, investigation, prosecution, judicial proceedings and the extremely low conviction rate.
Experts emphasize that increasing the number of registered cases alone is not enough. Survivors must have access to timely justice, effective investigations, transparent trials and legal protection, while accused persons must be dealt with strictly according to law.
Human Rights Angle
Rape and sexual violence constitute serious violations of human dignity, bodily integrity, personal security and fundamental human rights. The growing number of cases, coupled with low conviction rates, pending trials and absconding accused, highlights major challenges within the criminal justice system.
The state has a responsibility to ensure that survivors receive timely justice, protection, legal assistance and a safe environment throughout the investigation and judicial process. Delays or failures in addressing sexual violence can further traumatize victims and undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
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Disclaimer: This report has been prepared based on the official statistics and information provided in the source material. The figures and legal status may be updated if further official clarification or revised data becomes available.
