Aurat Foundation Urges Urgent Reforms Amid Rising Violence Against Women in Balochistan

The Aurat Foundation's 2024 report uncovers a severe crisis of violence against women in Balochistan, with alarming statistics of murder and abuse. The foundation calls for urgent legal reforms and empowerment initiatives to address deep-rooted cultural and societal barriers preventing women from accessing justice and safety.

A shocking new report by the Aurat Foundation spotlights the harrowing state of violence against women in Balochistan. The 2024 annual report details that violence occurs nearly every other day, with 73 documented cases, including 43 murders and seven sexual assaults, as highlighted by the Balochistan Post.

Alarmingly, the report notes that 19 murders were in the guise of 'honour' killings. The Aurat Foundation warns that these statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of violence due to widespread underreporting fueled by fear and societal stigma.

The report also underscores the impact of cultural norms that marginalise women and restrict their access to justice. While Balochistan faces severe challenges, other regions like Punjab and Sindh report even higher numbers of sexual and honour-based violence. To combat this crisis, the Aurat Foundation urgently calls for comprehensive reforms, including police training, stricter laws, and women's empowerment initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)