It is time for society and the government alike to act decisively, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike.
Hasaan Zafar
In recent years, as society moves towards development and embraces new opportunities, the number of rape cases in Pakistan has been increasing. One question that everyone wants to ask the perpetrators is: Is lust more precious than someone’s daughter? Unfortunately, instead of taking serious action, both the people and the government seem busy “biting the cherry” and waiting for big things to happen, while crimes continue.
Why is Pakistan moving towards such incidents at a time when other countries are focusing on infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic growth, and health issues? One major reason is the lack of awareness among youth, combined with a law that is often toothless. These criminal activities not only harm the victims but also push families into trouble, depression, and mental distress. Society must ask itself why we should focus on guarding someone’s daughter when we should be working to improve the country and ensure a safer future for all.
Recently, a case caught everyone’s attention: a 25-year-old special child was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Larkana, Sindh, highlighting the urgent need for reforms. Statistics show that around 20,000–21,000 rape cases were reported in the last five to six years, aligning with earlier reports of over 22,000 cases in six years. These numbers are alarming and reflect a serious societal problem.
Read: How Pakistan’s Anti-Rape Crisis Cells are transforming support for survivors
It is important to remember that rape is never the victim’s fault. It results from a complex mix of societal, cultural, legal, economic, and individual factors. To address this growing problem, Pakistan must enforce its laws strictly and ensure swift convictions for perpetrators, while promoting awareness campaigns to educate youth about consent, respect, and gender equality.
Better support systems must be established to help victims recover and seek justice, and the community as a whole must take responsibility in protecting women and children while fostering education and empowerment. Only by combining legal, social, and educational measures can Pakistan create a safer environment, where development and progress do not come at the cost of human dignity and security. It is time for society and the government alike to act decisively, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike.
PGC Rape Case: How this nation forgets such tragic incidents so easily?
______________________
Hasaan Zafar is based in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
hasaanzafarmuhammad@gmail.com
