Cycle of violence

In a landmark ruling, a man in Shangla, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the abduction and marital rape of his minor wife. This verdict marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s legal history as it is reportedly the first-ever conviction for marital rape since amendments were made to the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in 2021. The victim’s lawyer highlighted the historic nature of this judgment, underlining its importance in the fight against gender-based violence. Marital rape has long been a contentious issue in Pakistan, where societal norms and legal loopholes often shield perpetrators. The amendments to the PPC were a progressive step towards recognising the rights of women within marriage, ensuring that their consent and bodily autonomy are protected by law. This recent conviction serves as a beacon of hope for many victims who have suffered in silence, reinforcing the message that no form of sexual violence will be tolerated, even within the confines of marriage.

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive problem in Pakistan, with countless women facing physical, emotional and sexual abuse. According to UNFPA, a staggering 32 per cent of women have experienced physical violence in Pakistan and 40 per cent of ever-married women have suffered from spousal abuse at some point in their life. The justice system’s responsiveness to such cases plays a crucial role in either perpetuating or curbing this cycle of violence. Convictions like the one in Shangla are pivotal; they not only deliver justice to the victims but also set a precedent that can deter potential offenders. Moreover, this ruling can galvanise law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and policymakers to take gender-based violence more seriously. It underscores the necessity of implementing laws effectively and sensitively, ensuring that victims receive the support they need to pursue justice without fear of reprisal or societal backlash. This landmark decision must be the beginning of a broader movement to end violence against women in all its forms.