Islamabad : As the 16-day UNITE to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls campaign concludes on International Human Rights Day, Senator Sherry Rehman has called for urgent, comprehensive action to address the alarming rise in violence against women—both online and offline—across Pakistan and around the world.
“The persistence of violence against women, particularly tech-facilitated abuse, reveals a deep and dangerous failure of our systems,” Senator Rehman said. “Online harassment has become a defining and devastating feature of our digital landscape, and its impacts are not virtual—they are painfully real.”
In Pakistan alone, 3,171 complaints of digital violence were registered last year. Data from the Digital Rights Foundation shows that May recorded the highest number of digital violence cases (186), while cyber harassment accounted for 2,741 complaints overall. Disturbingly, 36% of these cases emerged from areas where FIA cybercrime wings are already operational, highlighting persistent gaps in deterrence and response.
Women remain disproportionately impacted.
Of the complaints filed, 1,772 were from women compared to 1,365 from men, and 90% of all harassment cases lodged with the FIA involve women. Globally, the picture is equally grim: the Economist Intelligence Unit reports that 85% of women worldwide experienced online harassment in 2024.
“These numbers are not merely statistics—they represent disrupted lives, shrinking opportunities, and silenced voices,” Senator Rehman emphasised. “Online abuse costs women their education, employment prospects, and political participation. Many women in public office have confessed to considering withdrawal from politics due to relentless online cruelty. These are not temporary trends; they are permanently altered stories.”
The broader landscape of gender-based violence in Pakistan underscores the gravity of the crisis. According to the Gender-Based Violence 2024 report, 32,617 GBV cases were recorded nationwide this year, including:
- 5,339 cases of rape
- 24,439 incidents of kidnapping and abduction
- 2,238 cases of domestic violence
- 547 reported honour killings
Despite the establishment of 480 Gender-Based Violence courts, justice remains out of reach for most survivors. The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan reports a shocking 5% conviction rate, with 64% acquittals. Additionally, Human Rights Watch notes that 70% of GBV survivors choose not to report their cases due to fear of retaliation and widespread victim-blaming.
“On this International Human Rights Day, we must confront these realities with honesty and urgency,” Senator Rehman said. “We need safer digital spaces, clear and enforceable legislation, gender-sensitised policing, strong data protection frameworks, and widespread digital rights awareness. Protection and prevention cannot remain privileges enjoyed by a few.”
She added, “Human rights begin with ensuring that every woman—online and offline—can exist without fear. Our commitment must be to close the widening gap between the promise of pro-women laws and the lived experiences of women across Pakistan.”
Senator Sherry Rehman reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for human rights and gender justice, calling on all stakeholders to unite in creating a safer, more equitable Pakistan for all.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
