Punjab’s rape conviction rate remains just 4% despite 480 Special GBV Courts

Pakistan’s justice system for rape victims came under serious criticism after a Senate committee was informed that Punjab’s

Islamabad: Pakistan’s justice system for rape victims came under serious criticism after a Senate committee was informed that Punjab’s rape conviction rate in 2025 remains only 4%, despite the creation of hundreds of special courts and anti rape centers across the country.

The shocking figures were presented during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights chaired by Samina Mumtaz Zehri, where lawmakers expressed deep concern over delays, weak investigations, and failures in the criminal justice system.

Officials from the Ministry of Human Rights told the committee that before 2020, conviction rates in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases were around 4% nationwide. Although reforms were introduced after 2021, including the establishment of 480 GBV courts and six Anti Rape Crisis Cells, conviction rates in many regions are still extremely low.

According to the briefing, Punjab recorded the lowest rape conviction rate at 4% in 2025. Sindh performed better with 22%, while Balochistan stood at 12%, Islamabad at 6.9%, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 6%.

Committee members questioned why conviction rates remain weak despite major legal reforms and special institutions meant to protect victims. Senators pointed to long delays in rape cases, lack of proper timelines, and major problems in collecting digital evidence.

Chairperson Samina Mumtaz Zehri stressed that the entire justice chain needs urgent improvement, from the registration of FIRs to forensic investigations and court trials. She said victims cannot receive justice if investigations remain weak and cases continue to face delays.

The committee also highlighted the shortage of modern forensic capacity and trained investigators. Members noted that without proper evidence collection and faster legal procedures, many victims lose hope in the justice system.

Despite the criticism, the committee appreciated efforts made by the Ministry of Human Rights to strengthen laws and institutions dealing with GBV cases. However, lawmakers made it clear that reforms on paper are not enough if conviction rates remain painfully low.

The committee decided to continue discussions on the issue in future meetings and called for stronger action to ensure faster justice and better protection for women and victims of sexual violence across the country.