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KARACHI, Jul 12 (APP): The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Pakistan (SOGP) expressed deep alarm over the escalating violence against women and female healthcare workers in the country and demanded urgent action from the government and judiciary.
Addressing a press conference here in a local hotel on Saturday, SOGP president Dr Rubina Suhail,Secretary General Dr Shabeen Naz Masood and others condemned the rising incidents of gender-based violence (GBV), including the murder and torture of women and doctors. These crimes have a direct impact on maternal health, increasing both maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Pakistan, they added.
They said that according to the latest report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Mapping Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan 2024, a staggering 32,617 GBV cases were reported nationwide. These included 5,339 incidents of rape, 24,439 kidnappings/abductions, 2,238 cases of domestic violence, and 547 honour killings.
Punjab recorded the highest number (26,753), followed by KP (3,397), Sindh (1,781), and Balochistan (398), where 185 kidnapping cases were registered but not a single conviction has so far been reported. The data, sourced from provincial police departments via RTI laws, also highlights 5,398 cases of child sexual abuse from 2019 to 2023.
SOGP demands urgent action from the government and judiciary. All perpetrators must be brought to justice, and systemic failures must be addressed.
They demanded that the survivors and their families must receive legal protection, psychosocial support, and safe spaces. The disturbing trend of honour killings and violence against lady doctors reflects a deeply rooted culture of impunity and silence.
They called on authorities to act without delay. SOGP stands united in raising its voice and demanding justice for all victims of GBV.
The vice president Dr Nusrat Shah and Vice President Punjab Dr Shahid Rao were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, an oath taking ceremony was held in which newly elected office bearers of the Society have taken oath from the former president Dr Fareed Zafar.