On December 10, as the world commemorates Human Rights Day, Pakistan finds itself at the intersection of two critical anniversaries: the celebration of universal human rights and the ongoing battle against gender-based violence (GBV). The 10 days of activism for the UNiTE campaign against GBV, coinciding with this global observance, shines a much-needed spotlight on the violence that continues to plague women in this country. This convergence should be more than symbolic; it must ignite a deeper reflection on where we stand, and, more imp. In Pakistan, GBV is not just an unfortunate reality; it is a pervasive issue affecting millions of women. Whether in the form of domestic violence, acid attacks, sexual assault, or technology-facilitated violence (TFGBV), GBV has become normalized, particularly in rural and less progressive regions. The numbers are staggering. Nearly 90% of harassment complaints received by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are filed by women. Around 70% of female students report facing harassment online, with 20% considering dropping out due to fear and anxiety. Similarly, 45% of working women report online abuse, and 15% quit their jobs as a result.
This harassment is not confined to physical spaces. The rise of TFGBV has turned digital platforms- once spaces for empowerment- into tools for misogyny and control. From cyberstalking and harassment to deepfake pornography, the online world has become a new front in the battle for women’s rights. The Covid-19 pandemic only exacerbated this issue, as more women moved online for work, education, and social interaction, making them vulnerable to a new wave of exploitation.
Pakistan’s legal framework, while evolving, still falls short in addressing the scale of this problem. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) of 2016, designed to tackle cybercrimes, lacks explicit provisions for addressing TFGBV. Though it includes clauses for protecting dignity and privacy, the implementation remains weak, with limited enforcement capacity and outdated provisions for dealing with emerging digital threats. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing, tasked with enforcing the law, operates with just 144 officers across a country of over 240 million people. With such an inadequate system, it is no wonder that many victims of digital violence feel powerless and are often deterred from reporting incidents.
The cultural stigma surrounding GBV further compounds the challenges. Domestic violence is often viewed as a family matter, something to be resolved behind closed doors rather than in a courtroom. This cultural normalization of violence is compounded by deeply entrenched misogynistic attitudes that blame women for the abuse they endure. These attitudes not only make it difficult for survivors to come forward but also hinder the enforcement of the laws designed to protect them.
It is here that the UNiTE campaign becomes crucial. It is not just about raising awareness but a call to action for systemic change. GBV is not an isolated issue but a societal one, stemming from entrenched gender inequality in our cultural, legal, and political systems. It is a reflection of outdated laws, weak enforcement, and a lack of resources for survivors. It’s time to think unconventionally and break the status-quo. Legal reforms are essential but we need a cultural shift by challenging the deep-rooted misogynistic attitudes that continue to harm women.
This shift must be led by both government and civil society. The state must invest more resources into the implementation of GBV laws, especially those addressing digital abuse. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing needs better equipment and staffing to cope with the increasing number of online complaints. Additionally, laws should be amended to specifically address TFGBV, such as cyber harassment and onlinestalking. But the government cannot tackle this alone. Organizations like the UNFPA, Aurat Foundation, and Rozan are tirelessly working on the ground, raising awareness, providing support services and advocating for policy change. These organizations play a crucial role in filling the gaps left by the State and must be empowered to continue their work.
Equally important is the role of IT companies. Social media platforms and digital service providers in Pakistan must be held accountable for the content shared on their platforms. They must adopt gender-sensitive policies and work with local authorities to flag and remove harmful content. Artificial intelligence can help identify abusive content before it spreads, but these companies are responsible for creating and enforcing policies that promote safety and inclusion.
Providing accessible support for GBV survivors is another critical aspect. Many women experiencing abuse are left without adequate socio-psycho, legal, or financial support. Strengthening referral systems and making these services more accessible, particularly for women in rural and marginalized communities, is essential. More helplines, counseling services, and shelters are needed to offer safe havens for those in need. As Pakistan stands at this crossroads, the opportunity to lead the charge for women’s rights and gender equality is within our reach. Tackling GBV requires a holistic approach. Prevention starts with media and education that challenge stereotypes. Protection relies on strong legal frameworks, effective policies and accessible health services. A coordinated response, including support services across sectors, ensures survivors receive the care and justice they deserve. Finally, societal engagement through community involvement and economic empowerment creates an environment where women are safe, valued and able to thrive. Only through these interconnected efforts can we build a future of a more just and equitable society.
—The writer is a policy analyst and researcher with a Master’s degree in Public Policy from King’s College London.
