IN recognition of the fact that, despite advancements on a global scale, gender-based violence is still one of the most pervasive and ongoing human rights violations, the world community comes together annually on November 25 to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day commemorates solidarity with survivors and underscores the legal and ethical obligations of states to safeguard women against all forms of violence. The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) explicitly defines violence as “any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm,” and, under Article 4, requires states to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence, as well as to provide support services to survivors.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), widely regarded as the international bill of rights for women, requires state parties under Articles 2, 5 and 16 to implement legislative, administrative and judicial measures aimed at eradicating discrimination, challenging detrimental gender stereotypes and ensuring equality within both the family and society. In 1996, Pakistan ratified the CEDAW Convention, thereby assuming a legal responsibility to align domestic legislation with its stipulations. Similarly, the Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, mandate that nations eradicate all forms of violence against women through prevention measures, legal safeguards and institutional capacity-building. The Istanbul Convention, although not ratified by Pakistan, also provides globally recognized best practices, particularly its emphasis on the four pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and integrated policies, which remain relevant benchmarks for Pakistan’s legislative and administrative evolution.
Pakistan has made notable legislative progress over the past two decades, yet challenges remain due to weak implementation, entrenched social norms and institutional gaps. The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Acts were enacted nationwide between 2013 and 2020, while specialized tribunals were established under the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, prioritizing victims’ interests and safeguarding evidence integrity. The Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act 2016 introduced designated protection centres and GPS monitoring for offenders. Additionally, the Constitution of Pakistan, through Articles 14, 25 and 27, ensures equality, prohibits gender-based discrimination and safeguards the dignity, security and independence of women.
The main challenge lies in the gap between legislation and enforcement, repeatedly highlighted by Pakistan’s CEDAW Committee. Coordination between federal and provincial authorities, allocation of financial resources and awareness among law enforcement and the judiciary remain inadequate. Gender-based crimes are often under-reported due to social stigma, fear of reprisal and the belief that victims will be held responsible, which emboldens perpetrators. In addition, cases frequently fail due to insufficient or mishandled evidence, lack of training for investigators, forensic limitations, victim coercion, bribery or prolonged judicial processes. These systemic weaknesses undermine the effectiveness of existing laws, allowing perpetrators to escape accountability. Closing this enforcement gap requires not only legal reforms but also institutional strengthening, improved coordination, capacity-building for criminal justice professionals and social measures that empower women to report crimes without fear of stigma or retribution, ensuring justice and protection for survivors.
Mandatory gender-sensitivity training for all criminal justice professionals, including prosecutors, judges and medico-legal officers, should be formalized as an institutional requirement. We have to invest in the medico-legal system by modernizing forensic laboratories, increasing the number of labs by establishing province-based labs, standardizing evidence collection procedures and abolishing outdated medical tests that violate survivor rights, fully aligning with CEDAW General Recommendation 33 on Women’s Access to Justice. Shelter homes and crisis centres require significant improvement. The current Dar-ul-Aman model is under-resourced, overcrowded and often fails to provide psychological counselling, vocational training and long-term reintegration support. Pakistan needs a unified national policy for survivor rehabilitation, ensuring that protection services meet the standards outlined in Article 4 of the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. Public awareness campaigns must also be scaled up. There has to be a campaign to address stereotypes, education on gender equality through school curricula, media campaigns, seminars and community-based discussions, leading to societal transformation for the better and behavioural changes.
International collaborations can assist in national reform. We should look at the nations which have achieved substantial reductions in gender based violence by adopting robust national strategies, by bridging the gap between the police and the judiciary through better coordination, enforcement of relevant legislation and a resilient social transformation campaign coupled with police reforms. We must integrate UN Women, UNFPA and international human rights organizations that can assist us in such initiatives. Ratifying or aligning with the Istanbul Convention can further strengthen Pakistan’s international credibility in women’s rights.
As the global community observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Pakistan finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Laws are in place; however, their effectiveness depends on proper implementation, institutional capacity and societal change. Violence against women transcends the scope of a singular women’s issue; it constitutes a matter of national development, a fundamental human rights imperative and a critical measure of Pakistan’s adherence to international standards. Guaranteeing safety, dignity and equality for women is fundamental to fostering a resilient, inclusive and progressive nation, which is the true reflection of a Muslim Nation.
—The writer is a International Law expert with a rich experience in negotiation, mediation and Alternate Dispute Resolution.
