The shocking aspect was depicted in the following graphs
Some shocking facts on Punjab:
1)Punjab stands out distinctively on this front.
2) 8 out of 10 Pakistan’s worst districts in 2012 and 2013 are from Punjab.
3) There is noticeable spike in rape cases in Punjab in the years of 2008 and 2012
Can anyone especially desertbird tell me as what is going on in Pakistan in general and Punjab especially?
Yes, the situation is terrifying. In Rural, agricultural areas rape is often used as revenge. I am sure the actual numbers are a lot higher with many cases going unreported. Remember that average rape cases reported in US are 90,000 per year. The numbers quoted in our news are definitely much less than actual situation.
The numbers for Punjab are similar for other crimes as well. It seems that number of vehicles stolen in Punjab is 10 times more than Sindh.
Punjab has the highest population
People tend to report more, less wadaira system
Pro haraamkhor/corrupt police policies of N-League
Yes, Punjab has the highest population but even if you look at those figures there still is no comparison. for instance, Punjab's population is about four times greater than that of KPK but the number of reported cases is more than 80 times greater. I can understand that there could be other factors like under-reporting but still the difference is huge. Under-reporting can be true for the whole country because of the stigma attached to it and the fact that there is negligible hope for justice but the victim is sure of being criminalized and insulted in many ways.
Violence against women has become institutionalisation in Pakistan, and it truly depresses me to think that it will be a generational struggle to fight this evil and achieve some remarkable form of justice and equality. I feel terribly appalled to see Pakistani news channels dedicating ample amount of time to discuss 'he said, she said' petty politics, nit pick insignificant political statement and political personalities yet hardly any air space is given to issues like rape and violence against women. Why women's issues are not discussed in prime time hours? I don't understand this. Where the hell are all those women organisations and self proclaimed feminists in Pakistan? The country desperately need some kind of anti rape momentum, a true movement to have any chance of curbing the rise of this heinous crime.
Despite my reservation about the newspaper, I must give Dawn some credit for quite regularly highlighting the issue of rape. So far the only major newspaper to do so, however, unfortunately, the ever so hyper and mouthy electronic media is shockingly still so numb on this issue.
a question: does our prevalent laws play a negative role in this regard. I watched an episode of "sar-e-aam" in which a rape case was discussed where the victim identified the criminal and even forensics ratified victim's claim but still the criminal was released. I know that our corrupt society provide cover to the criminal but does our law also support the criminal?
Its not more rapes. Rapes have been part of human history. What is up is the number of reported cases of rape. That is a development that was not possible 20 years ago esp during Zia's time.
Rape has stigma associated it even in modern liberal societies. More so in countries that are more patriarchal like Pakistan. Rape is a henious crime and requires more people to speak up regarding it. In that regard the Aurat Foundation does good work and so do many other NGOs on the matter.
You want to empower women to speak up against rape and not hide it.
What makes rape significantly more problematic and dangerous in extremely patriarchal societies of developing countries is that it is often used a weapon against the vulnerable. Rape in South Asia is used as a tool to seek revenge, give punishment and maintain control not just over the victim, but the entire family, or clan even. It's used an an instrument of power. In rural areas, rape almost works as an organised crime in a way that the victim and the family, police and the entire neighbourhood would know about the culprits, but would not dare speak up and take any action against them.
The point above ties in with the deeply intimidating, insensitive and corruption ridden *Thana Culture *(police station culture) of Pakistan, where the victim's character is assassinated, her claims are aggressively crossed examined, and she's either implicitly or explicitly blamed for being raped. The same unfortunate story is repeated outside the police station by locals to top level politicians. Thus the victim of rape becomes a dehumanised object open to criticism and cynical questioning, she is silenced and blamed for her own pain and trauma.
Rape the heinous and unforgivable crime is somewhat normalised when all the focus is shifted on women and the credibility of her claim and the history of her character, the culprits are ignored. Against the backdrop of such intimidating, contemptuous, scornful and apathetic culture, the rape victims find it extremely difficult to speak up as they fear being dismissed and not taken seriously at all. This is where female politicans and women's organisations have failed to bring the plight of suffering of rape victims into the mainstream media.
To tackle the rise of of rape cases and take care of victims, I would like to see fully specialised anti rape services where women are feel trusted and safe to speak about their horrific experiences, can report it knowing their confidentiality will be respected. We need to look beyond police to help the victims, and there are so many ways to help the survivors get justice and their life back in order.
To tackle the rise of of rape cases and take care of victims, I would like to see fully specialised anti rape services where women are feel trusted and safe to speak about their horrific experiences, can report it knowing their confidentiality will be respected. We need to look beyond police to help the victims, and there are so many ways to help the survivors get justice and their life back in order.
I would suggest mandatory DNA profiling of every newborn which becomes part of Nadra's record the moment the first official document related to the newborn is issued. Imagine what would happen if you have DNA profiles of every citizen living in the country. A DNA repository could also be established for the purpose.
I would suggest mandatory DNA profiling of every newborn which becomes part of Nadra's record the moment the first official document related to the newborn is issued. Imagine what would happen if you have DNA profiles of every citizen living in the country. A DNA repository could also be established for the purpose.
Unless some thekedaar related to noon league manufactures DNA equipment, not going to happen.
I would suggest mandatory DNA profiling of every newborn which becomes part of Nadra's record the moment the first official document related to the newborn is issued. Imagine what would happen if you have DNA profiles of every citizen living in the country. A DNA repository could also be established for the purpose.
