QUETTA: Violence against women in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan increased sharply in 2025, raising alarm among rights groups and analysts, according to a new report by the Aurat Foundation Balochistan.
The foundation’s annual report for 2025 recorded a disturbing rise in cases of violence, murder and so-called honour killings. It described the trend as a major challenge for law enforcement agencies and society at large.
From January to December 2025, at least 123 cases of violence against women were reported across the province. These included murder, honour killings, abduction, sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment and suicide.
The report stressed that the figures do not reflect the full scale of the problem. Many cases go unreported due to social pressure, fear and lack of access to justice.
According to the data, 65 women and 25 men were killed in Balochistan in 2025. Of these, 33 women and 25 men were victims of honour killings.
The report also documented two female suicides linked to domestic distress. Five women faced harassment, nine suffered domestic violence, six were sexually assaulted and 11 were abducted.
The Aurat Foundation identified honour killings as the most serious issue. It recorded 58 honour killing cases in 2025 alone.
Jafarabad district reported the highest number with 10 cases. Four cases each were reported from Sibi and Lasbela. Noshki, Kharan, Mastung and Loralai recorded two cases each, while one case was reported from Chagai.
“These figures show that honour killings are no longer isolated incidents but a deeply rooted social tragedy,” the report said.
The report also included data from Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centres (WJFCs). During 2025, these centres received 129 applications.
They included 35 cases of harassment, 37 of domestic violence, 14 of blackmailing, eight of financial fraud, four of missing women, four of threats and one case of digital violence.
Police provided initial medical aid, legal guidance and counselling to victims. However, experts said these measures remain insufficient.
Analysts said the rising violence highlights weak enforcement of existing laws.
They identified patriarchy, outdated traditions, fragile judicial processes and social silence as key drivers of honour-based crimes. These factors, they said, allow perpetrators to act with impunity.
The report also presented district-wise data from 2019 to 2025. Quetta topped the list with 103 cases of women killed, including honour killings.
Naseerabad, Jafarabad, Lasbela, Sibi, Panjgur and Khuzdar were also among the worst-affected districts.
The foundation said persistently high numbers demand urgent corrective and protective measures in these areas.
The Aurat Foundation urged the Balochistan government, police, judiciary and other institutions to treat cases of violence against women with seriousness. It called for timely case registration, transparent investigations and strict punishment for offenders.
The report warned that violence will continue unless laws are enforced rigorously, institutions are reformed and social attitudes change.
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Experts said sustainable development in Balochistan is impossible without women’s education, economic empowerment, representation in decision-making and social protection.
The Aurat Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continue its struggle for women’s rights, protection and justice. It stressed that meaningful change requires a shared responsibility between the state and society.
