Domestic violence and abuse are rampant in Pakistan with many victims living miserable existences at the hands of their respective abusers. I suggest amendments to modernise the system as much as possible to walk in step with the whims of time and society, but those are only words on paper. The law provides for so many checks & balances that though at every stage it tries to reach out a helping hand to vulnerable women, few come forward, with a case getting reported in Punjab alone every half-hour. There are many reports out that physical and sexual assault inclinations continue to be on the rise among women, as well as other kinds of abuse. Compounded by institutional sexism, low literacy rates, and a lack of economic diversity, this will require a comprehensive response: from increased victim support, public awareness campaigns, and more robust legal care.
The hearings of Noor Mukadam, Mariam, Saima Ali, and Qurat-ul-Ain Baloch are a clear message that domestic abuse and violence in Pakistan is even existing. These are just exemplary instances; it is a multifaceted phenomenon with substantial cultural, societal, and economic roots. Patriarchal norms in Pakistan are also often accused of upholding and endorsing violence against women. In many aspects, women are denied their rights and often treated as the property of men, with their autonomy limited.
In his own workshop, Iqbal discovered marriage exchanges (watta-satta), seemingly civil agreements that mean women are married off in dreadful marriages. There are cases where divorcing an abusive husband can also ruin social relationships with other family members' families, like Mariam's. Collectively, society stigmatises domestic abuse victims in ways that breed shame and drive them not to seek help out of embarrassment or fear of sharing their experiences.
As if it were not complicated enough to fall in love with somebody of the same sex, they have the fear of becoming social outcasts and pariahs that will bring shame on their families. The biggest other hurdle is financial dependence. Many women, like Mariam, are abused by their breadwinning spouses even faster. With most domestic abuse cases, this financial chokehold is one of the largest obstacles. Limited social safety nets and the increasing reliance of women engaged in circular economic dependency for family upkeep. Financial, legal, and shelter support — for most women, these supports are inadequate and expensive.
The examples of these names such as Noor Mukadam, Qurrat ul Ain Baloch, and Saima Ali are a reminder for us that there is an ongoing need to have systemic reforms. The victims had apparently been abused in the home for several years, leading to these women taking their lives. The reaction on social media to these examples of spontaneous salvagery was the realisation that instantly hanging innocent people or murderers getting off free is no longer an option. Addressing the problem in a unified way, however, is a challenge and one that goes beyond enforcing tougher rape and sexual assault laws — including public information campaigns to challenge negative cultural beliefs about women and supportive resources for survivors.
Zahir Jaffer was arrested in the murder case of Noor Mukadam along with his parents and house workers. The staff, also the security guards, knew about the hostage detainment of Mukadam but instead of informing police they informed Jaffer's family. Jaffer’s parents were denied bail on August 5 by the court. The case, in connection with other recent cases of violation against women, depicts a monstrous image of the state for its failure to safeguard its daughters. Pakistan was rated 153rd out of 156 countries on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap 2021 index. It is ranked among the eight countries in the South Asian region, and Afghanistan comes last. Progress has stagnated, the report noted, pushing back the estimated time to close the gap to 136.5 years
Gender-based violence is significantly underreported in Pakistan, making it difficult to gauge the full scope of the problem. But only the sample cases reflected on social media point to a more telling picture of where the status quo of women has spiraled. There is no end to the tragic roll call of women experiencing violence, being murdered, and raped. The case of Dr. Muhammad Masood is another example demonstrating the need to address the complexities in dealing with domestic violence. Following claims of abuse by his ex-wife, Dr. Masood was referred to fitness-to-practice proceedings by the General Medical Council. But in the ruling, the Tribunal found that he had committed acts of domestic violence on his ex-wife and tried to impede proceedings. As a result, he was successfully removed from the medical register, showing how far a domestic abuser can fall and highlighting the importance of professional integrity in healthcare.
Violence in the home is a global epidemic that can take many forms. While domestic violence has existed throughout human history, it became a modern sociopolitical issue with changes in social values, societal morals, and emerging legal rules. Historically, domestic violence was considered a private matter, and patriarchy often allowed or even justified abusive behaviors, particularly by men. This norm is now being challenged as modern society strives for gender equality. Shifts in gender dynamics, including greater female autonomy and workforce participation, have altered intimate relationships, though these changes can provoke resistance, leading to control or violence.
Domestic violence has long-lasting mental health effects, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other trauma-related disorders. While modern mental health awareness has brought these issues to the forefront, access to therapy and rehabilitation remains unequal. Children exposed to domestic violence are also at risk of long-term emotional and psychological damage, an issue now receiving more attention.
New technologies have given abusers additional means to monitor or harass victims, such as through social media tracking, GPS technology, and cyberstalking. The rise of "tech abuse" has led to stronger privacy laws and digital literacy campaigns. On the other hand, technology provides victims new ways to seek help, such as emergency support apps, online counseling, and digital platforms for reporting abuse.
Recent years have seen more focus on engaging men in the fight against domestic violence. Campaigns that challenge toxic masculinity and promote healthy relationships, based on respect and equality, are key to preventing domestic violence. While domestic violence against women is more widely discussed, awareness of male victims has also increased. Social stigmas around masculinity and vulnerability make it hard for men to report abuse, adding another layer of complexity to addressing domestic violence. Ongoing efforts in legislation, education, and support services are essential in shifting societal attitudes about gender roles and relationships.
Addressing domestic violence in Pakistan is a multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration across all sectors of society. By understanding the cultural, social, and economic factors at play, strategies can be developed to protect and empower victims while working to eradicate the problem.
In conclusion, ending domestic violence in Pakistan is a collective and long-term effort. This complex issue requires changing deeply ingrained cultural norms that perpetuate violence, educating society on gender equality, and improving economic opportunities for women. Financial independence allows women to leave abusive relationships and start new lives. In addition to job opportunities, access to education and vocational training is critical. Strengthening laws and ensuring their enforcement is vital. Domestic violence laws must be tough, and the justice system must handle cases efficiently. Public awareness campaigns can help shift cultural attitudes and inform victims about available resources like hotlines, shelters, and counseling.
Community involvement is key, as local leaders and organizations provide support and advocacy at the grassroots level. Support systems for survivors, from immediate shelter and emergency services to long-term counseling and financial assistance, are crucial for recovery.
As we strive for gender equality and justice, we must amplify the voices of those affected and work together to end the cycle of violence. By addressing the root causes and offering comprehensive support, we can build a society that values and protects all its members.