Alarming Proportions of Violence Against Women in Islamabad Revealed in Aurat Foundation Report

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Capital has witnessed a significant spike in violence against women, with the Aurat Foundation's bi-annual report of 2009 revealing a staggering 111 incidents of physical violence against women, out of a total of 4,514 reported cases in Islamabad. This alarming trend is part of a larger problem that affects women's social and economic equality, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. The report highlights the need for policymakers and decision-makers to develop effective responses to address this persistent issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Aurat Foundation's bi-annual report of 2009 recorded 111 incidents of physical violence against women in Islamabad, out of a total of 4,514 reported cases.
  • The Punjab province reported the highest number of incidents of violence against women, with 3,067 cases occurring in 35 districts between January-June 2009.
  • Only 3,099 FIRs were registered out of 4,514 cases, while 759 cases were not registered, and there is no evidence regarding the FIR status of 656 cases.
  • The most common crimes committed against women in Pakistan include abduction (1,046 cases), murder (691), rape (466), and suicide (388).
  • Arifa Mazhar, senior member of the Violence Against Women Watch Group, emphasized that violence against women affects women's social and economic equality, physical and mental health, and overall well-being.
  • Mustafa Solangi, another senior member of the Violence Against Women Watch Group, stated that decision-makers require a clear understanding of the nature and severity of social problems to develop effective responses.
  • Rabbia Hadi of Aurat Foundation opined that the data on violence against women will provide policy and law reform input to governments, political parties, and legislators through consultative processes.

Statistics:

  • According to the Aurat Foundation's bi-annual report of 2009, 111 incidents of physical violence against women were reported in Islamabad.
  • The Punjab province reported 3,067 incidents of violence against women in 35 districts between January-June 2009.
  • Out of 4,514 cases, the number of abduction cases was 1,046, murder cases were 691, rape cases were 466, and suicide cases were 388.
  • Only 3,099 FIRs were registered out of 4,514 cases.
  • 759 cases were not registered, and there is no evidence regarding the FIR status of 656 cases.

Sources:

  • The Nation: "Violence Against Women Reaches Alarming Proportions in Islamabad" by Farehia Rehman (November 23, 2009)
  • Aurat Foundation: "Bi-annual Report of 2009 on the Situation of Violence Against Women in Pakistan"
  • Through Asia Pulse: "Aurat Foundation Report Highlights Violence Against Women in Pakistan"