'25% surge in violence against women'

PDP leaders demand non-bailable offences, fast-track justice system

KARACHI:

Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Women's Wing President Aziz Fatima and senior representatives Misbah Chaudhry, Nargis Khan, Almas Khatoon, Shabana Bibi, and Rizwana Tasleem have expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in violence against women, calling the situation both dangerous and shameful for society.

The leaders said the continuous increase in such incidents reflects the failure of social, legal, and administrative systems. They stressed that unless government institutions act responsibly and provide timely, safe, and dignified justice to victims, the crisis will only intensify. "Women are the foundation of our society; violence against one woman is violence against the entire society," they stated, emphasising that ensuring women's safety is a collective national responsibility.

According to government and private data, violence-related cases have surged by 25% compared to last year - a trend the PDP leaders described as deeply troubling. They demanded that violence against women be declared a non-bailable offense and that protection laws be enforced with full strictness. They also urged the establishment of Special Protection Units in every district, expansion of risk-free helplines and safe shelter homes, and modern training for relevant agencies.