KARACHI: Thirteen years after the passage of the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2013, the law remains poorly implemented in Sindh, with incidents of violence against women showing no meaningful decline. Cases have been registered since the law's approval, but weak police investigations and lack of institutional support prevent most victims from filing complaints or force them to withdraw cases due to family pressure or police reluctance.
Law Provisions and Implementation Gaps
The Act was designed to protect women from physical abuse, sexual assault, harassment, psychological and emotional pressure, and economic exploitation. It prescribes strict punishments including fines and imprisonment. However, legal experts and NGOs report that poor implementation allows perpetrators to escape punishment.
A report by the Legal Aid Society, an NGO working for marginalized groups, states that domestic violence against women is widespread in Sindh, while victims face major obstacles in reporting and seeking justice. The report notes that although laws exist for protection, victims are unable to get justice due to weak enforcement. It also highlights that supporting institutions such as the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women are not financially or administratively independent, limiting their effectiveness.
Police and Reporting Challenges
According to Advocate Shazia Nizamani, Chairperson of the Sindh Women Lawyers Alliance, many victims still do not report domestic violence cases. “One reason is that complaints are often registered by male police officers at police stations. Hence, there is a need to deploy female police officers to handle complaints from women,” said Nizamani.
In 2025, cases of domestic violence increased, but convictions remained negligible. According to a report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), 204 cases of domestic violence were reported in Sindh during the first six months of 2025. Out of these, 98 cases were sent to the courts; 70 proceeded, but not a single conviction was recorded. The report also states that police withdrew 14 cases from court, raising concerns about the quality of investigations.
Rural vs Urban Dynamics
According to Akram Khaskheli, President of a local NGO, violence is more common in rural areas of Sindh than in urban areas due to poverty and lack of education. “Nearly 772 cases of domestic violence were reported across different areas of the province in 2025. However, the actual number is likely much higher as many cases go unreported. In rural society, violence against women is still considered acceptable and even a male “right,” which further discourages reporting,” noted Khaskheli.
Official statistics, however, show that domestic violence cases are reported more frequently in urban areas than in rural ones. Recent police data indicates that only in Karachi, more than 1,000 complaints of domestic violence are received every month. In the first six months of the previous year, 204 cases were registered across the province, but most accused were not convicted.
Fatalities and Physical Abuse
According to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), in 2024 alone, 165 women and nine girls were killed due to domestic violence in Sindh. Additionally, 250 women and 10 girls were subjected to physical abuse. HRCP Vice Chairperson for Sindh, Khizar Hayat, opined that the reporting of domestic violence cases in cities was a positive development, but was still inadequate. Hayat stressed the need for full implementation of laws and strict punishment for offenders.
