Gender Fact File - Pakistan
Every second woman in Pakistan is a victim of violence, according to reports by human rights groups.
Between 70 and 90 women face domestic violence, according to the Human Rights Commission (2006).
Honour killings claim the lives of thousands of women each year. In 2006 alone, 565 women were killed in the name of ‘honour’.
It is fuelled by the overriding system of patriarchy, customary laws and traditional culture that also combine to keep women in social and economic poverty.
Kamila Hyat, joint director, Pakistan's Human Rights Commission, says, ‘honour’ killings are increasing because of poor prosecution. Only 20 percent of cases are brought to justice.
The federal government is attempting to legislate on domestic violence against women and children. According to the proposed Domestic Violence Against Women (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2006, a child or a woman – in case of harm, injury, danger to health, safety, life or well-being, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse – can file a complaint with a police officer of the sub-divisional rank or a magistrate for legal protection.