Zainab Nasir
In the recent years, there have been many cases reported in Pakistan, highlighting the sexual violence. According to Human rights of Pakistan, there are over 11,000 cases that have been reported between 2015 and 2020, but the actual number is higher as some of the cases are still unreported.
In 2023, reported cases of child abuse in Punjab were 4200 and 75% all across the Pakistan. There seems a slight decrease in comparison to 2022. These statistical approaches are needed to raise the awareness, improve laws and to prevent the sexual violence in the state.
“Rape is not just a crime; it’s a violation of humanity.”
Zainab Amin Ansari, a seven years old girl, raped in her hometown Kasur, Punjab. Her body was found in the garbage near the city of Lahore on 9 January, 2018. Her rapist was a, 24 years old, Imran Ali. He was identified a serial killer and sentenced to death on October 2018. He was also involved in other rape cases that are not known. Zainab’s case was a turning point in Pakistan, that call for justice and the better protection for the children.
In September 2022, there was a case reported on the Lahore Motorway, a woman was raped in front of her children. Her car was out of fuel, the attackers took advantage and assaulted her. It leads to a huge protest all across the country and raise the serious concerns about the safety of women.
In June 2022, another serious case of sexual violence happened in Karachi when a female university was raped by the rickshaw driver. She was going back from university to her home, she had taken the rickshaw. The driver along with another man brought her to a strange area and assaulted her.
This incident caused a lot of anger and protests in Karachi, with people demanding justice for the victim. It highlights the danger women face while using the public transport. The police arrested the suspects, but this case brought attention towards women security.
“Rape at Punjab Group of Colleges: A Tragic Reminder of the Need for Change.”
In October 2024, a disturbing incident took place at Punjab Group of Colleges in Pakistan, some of the students and anchors reported that there was rape case happened with the female student done by the guard along with the van driver. After the police inquiries and school administration, government reported that no such case happened in the school, they all are just rumors to make the reputation of the school down. In addition to that, students raised their voice against this case and students from the other institute destroyed almost all the campuses of Punjab Group of Colleges. Now the main chaos is that no one is staying on their personal statement and the dispute is where the truth exists? No one is yet able to find the real dynamics of the whole story.
Cases that are still unreported
However, there are many cases in Pakistan that are still unreported because of the fear and shame. The victims usually remain silent for the sake of respect and society’s pressure. Some families feel reluctant to come forward and discuss the issue that leads to many cases remain silent at the end. This silence continues the cycle of violence and shows the urgent need for the support and help victims seek justice.
My opinion against Rape Cases and Violence
I believe that rape is a serious crime that affects not only the victims but also their families as a whole. This is an unacceptable thing that you will feel unsafe in your society or community where you are surviving. We need to create such culture in which the victim or weak persons feel free to ask for justice and human rights.
The government and authorities must take strict actions to prevent sexual violence and deeply ensure the justice for the victims. We must need to play our role by spreading awareness and supporting survivors and ensure them that they are not alone. Everyone deserves an environment where they can live freely, free from fear of violence.
