Pakistan witnessed a troubling surge in human rights violations in 2025, with 470 women killed in so-called “honor” crimes and a 25 percent increase in gender-based violence, according to the annual report released by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
The report paints a grim picture of the country’s overall human rights situation, highlighting deteriorating conditions across multiple sectors, including law enforcement, gender equality, child protection, and economic well-being. Pakistan ranked 130th out of 143 countries in terms of enforcing fundamental rights, reflecting persistent systemic challenges and weak institutional accountability.
One of the most alarming aspects of the report is the sharp rise in violence against women. In addition to the 470 honor killings, at least 1,332 women were murdered in incidents related to domestic violence. Cases of rape also remained disturbingly high, with 3,815 reported incidents across the country. Furthermore, cyber harassment targeting women continued to grow, with 2,586 cases recorded during the year. These figures indicate not only an increase in physical violence but also the expanding threats women face in digital spaces.
Pakistan’s global standing in gender equality also remains critically low. The country ranked 145th out of 148 nations in the Global Gender Gap Index, underscoring deep-rooted inequalities in access to opportunities, justice, and protection for women.
The HRCP report also sheds light on the worsening security situation. In 2025, a total of 1,272 terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations resulted in 3,417 deaths and 2,134 injuries. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the state in maintaining peace and security, as well as the human cost of conflict and militancy.
Law enforcement practices came under scrutiny as well. Across the country, 1,155 police encounters led to the deaths of 1,696 individuals. In Punjab alone, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted 1,128 encounters, resulting in 977 fatalities. Such figures raise serious concerns about extrajudicial killings and the need for transparent investigations and accountability mechanisms within policing institutions.
Prison conditions were another major area of concern. The report noted that overcrowding in jails reached an alarming rate of 171 percent, severely affecting inmates’ living conditions and access to basic rights. Additionally, around 21,600 Pakistani citizens are currently imprisoned abroad, including 738 individuals held in Indian jails, many of whom are fishermen.
Children also remained highly vulnerable in 2025. The report documented 3,600 cases of violence against children, along with 1,107 cases of abduction. At least 365 children were reported missing, while 53 cases of child marriage were recorded. Disturbingly, 52 cases of child abuse were linked to pornographic content, indicating a growing and dangerous trend of exploitation.
The transgender community continued to face severe violence and discrimination. According to the HRCP, 19 transgender individuals were killed during the year, while two were victims of acid attacks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of transgender killings, with 10 deaths, along with 13 cases of sexual violence against members of the community.
Beyond issues of violence and security, the report also highlights the country’s worsening economic conditions. Millions more Pakistanis were pushed below the poverty line in 2025, further exacerbating inequality and limiting access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and housing.
The HRCP emphasized that these trends reflect not just isolated incidents but systemic failures that require urgent and comprehensive reforms. Strengthening legal protections, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, improving law enforcement practices, and addressing socio-economic disparities are essential steps to reverse the current trajectory.
Overall, the 2025 report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Pakistan faces in safeguarding human rights. Without decisive action from the government and relevant institutions, the situation risks further deterioration, leaving vulnerable populations at even greater risk.
