Despite strict anti-rape laws and increasing awareness, incidents of sexual violence continue to plague Pakistan. The recent case on the Faisalabad motorway is yet another grim reminder of the brutality that women endure. A woman and her husband, on their way home, were stopped by armed men, subjected to unimaginable trauma, and robbed. While swift action by law enforcement led to arrests, the question remains: when will this end?
Is It Enough?
Pakistan has stringent laws against rape, including the death penalty and long-term imprisonment. The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act was introduced to ensure speedy justice, yet the implementation remains weak. Survivors often face societal stigma, delayed investigations, and lack of support, making justice an uphill battle.
The Role of Law Enforcement
In this case, the police acted swiftly, arresting two suspects within days. Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz and other officials closely monitored the case, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. However, such actions, while commendable, need to be consistent. Many cases go unreported or are met with indifference from authorities.
A Culture of Fear and Silence
One of the biggest challenges in tackling sexual violence is the culture of victim-blaming. Survivors are often met with questions about their whereabouts, clothing, and choices rather than holding perpetrators accountable. This discourages many from reporting their trauma.
What Needs to Change?
- Swift and Transparent Justice – Cases should be investigated and tried with urgency to ensure justice is served.
- Stronger Policing & Security – More police patrols, surveillance, and emergency response units can deter criminals.
- Public Awareness & Education – Society must be educated about consent, victim support, and legal rights.
- Empowering Survivors – Safe reporting mechanisms and psychological support services should be widely available.
When Will It Stop?
Until Pakistan sees a shift in its mindset, where women feel safe and perpetrators fear the law, these tragedies will continue. It is not just about punishing criminals but about creating a society where such crimes do not happen in the first place. The time for action is now—because one more case is already one too many.