Pakistan is facing renewed criticism over its worsening women’s safety crisis after activists and rights groups warned that a deeply rooted “culture of silence” is fuelling a sharp rise in violence against women across the country.

Women’s rights campaigners say fear, social stigma, weak law enforcement and patriarchal attitudes continue to prevent thousands of victims from reporting abuse, allowing domestic violence, honour killings, harassment and sexual crimes to grow unchecked.

According to activists, many women remain trapped in abusive environments because of family pressure, economic dependency and fear of social isolation. Rights groups argue that victims are often discouraged from seeking justice in order to “protect family honour,” creating what campaigners describe as a dangerous cycle of silence and impunity.

The issue has once again exposed Pakistan’s deep-rooted gender inequality and persistent failures in protecting women despite repeated promises of reform by successive governments.

Human rights organisations have repeatedly warned that violence against women remains severely underreported in Pakistan. Analysts say official crime figures likely represent only a fraction of the actual scale of abuse because many victims never approach police or courts.

Critics also accuse Pakistan’s criminal justice system of failing survivors through delayed investigations, weak prosecutions and societal bias against women who report violence. In several high-profile cases, victims and their families have faced intimidation, threats and pressure to withdraw complaints.

The growing concern comes amid repeated incidents involving honour killings, domestic abuse, workplace harassment and assaults against women across multiple provinces. Activists argue that the persistence of such crimes reflects broader institutional and cultural failures rather than isolated incidents.

Observers note that while Pakistan has introduced some legal reforms in recent years, implementation remains inconsistent and often undermined by conservative social attitudes and political hesitation. Women’s rights groups say police response to gender-based violence remains weak in many rural and tribal regions.

The debate has also intensified criticism of Pakistan’s political leadership, with campaigners accusing authorities of prioritising symbolic statements over meaningful structural reform. Rights activists argue that shelters, legal aid systems and protection mechanisms for women remain severely inadequate.

Analysts warn that economic instability and rising social stress may further worsen violence against women in Pakistan. Inflation, unemployment and declining public services are increasingly placing additional pressure on vulnerable households, often leading to higher levels of domestic abuse.

The issue has sparked renewed calls for tougher enforcement of women’s protection laws, faster prosecution of offenders and nationwide awareness campaigns aimed at breaking what activists describe as Pakistan’s entrenched “culture of silence.”

Observers say the continuing rise in violence against women has become one of the clearest indicators of Pakistan’s broader social and governance crisis, where weak institutions and conservative power structures continue to leave many women without effective protection or justice.

Disclaimer : This image is taken from The Diplomat.