GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS LEGAL PERSPECTIVES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious and widespread issue in Pakistan that affects women, children, and marginalized groups. This paper explores the legal and social challenges in addressing GBV and evaluates the laws created to protect victims. Despite having a number of legal protections such as the Pakistan Penal Code, Domestic Violence Acts, and the Anti-Rape Act, enforcement remains weak. The root causes include patriarchal norms, cultural barriers, and a lack of awareness about rights and legal processes. Most abuse victims fail to report, either because they are afraid or because of social coercion or the lack of faith in the justice system. Moreover, police and law enforcement agencies often lack proper training to handle such sensitive cases.

The study employs legal and social means to research how well the laws are performing and in what ways they should be improved. It speaks of important cases of GBV and takes a look at important laws that deal with crime, such as domestic violence, rape, honor killing, and acid attacks. Despite a few positive gains, including more serious laws on punishment and better trials there is still a wide gap to be filled. The paper concludes that real change requires not just laws but a shift in societal attitudes, better training for officials, public awareness, and stronger institutional support. Ending GBV in Pakistan demands both legal reform and social transformation to ensure safety and justice for all