Over 15,000 cases reported from January-June 2025, including 51 kidnappings and 24 cases of domestic violence
At least 85 women face violence every day in Punjab, including an average of nine who are sexually assaulted, according to a biannual report published by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).
The findings, based on data collected through Right to Information (RTI) by the Punjab Police, highlight disturbing trends in 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 offences, including sexual assault, kidnapping, domestic violence, honor killing, human trafficking, cyber harassment and sexual harassment. The report uses standardized prices per 100,000 women aged 18 and over to allow district-wise comparisons.
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According to the data, in the first half of 2025 there was a daily average of nine cases of sexual assault, 51 kidnappings and 24 cases of domestic violence.
Lahore ranked as the district with the highest burden, 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 numbers of honor killings.
Other districts with persistently high incidences include Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib.
For cyber harassment, only five districts – Okara, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Pakpattan and Gujrat – reported cases. SSDO attributed the low reporting to unequal access to digital complaint systems and significant under-reporting. Muzaffargarh and Pakpattan recorded the highest numbers of trafficking-related offences.
The report raised serious concerns over missing data from several districts. Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal and Sargodha failed to submit the required information despite repeated directives from the Punjab Information Commission.
SSDO noted that law enforcement agencies are legally required to release 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 increased reporting reflects improved performance. It warned that large gaps in data are creating disinformation, fueling public distrust and obscuring the true scale of the crisis.
The report added that despite some progress, structural challenges continue to impede justice, deterrence and protection for survivors.
SSDO called the situation ‘alarming’ and called for a coordinated effort to strengthen reporting and referral systems, strengthen police investigative capacity, ensure timely trials and expand bereavement support services, including shelters, legal aid and psychosocial assistance.
The organization stressed that only transparent data, responsive governance and community-driven awareness initiatives can enable Punjab to effectively combat gender-based violence and protect women’s rights, safety and dignity across the province.
