ISLAMABAD: The federal capital, Islamabad, has reported the highest number of gang rape incidents in Pakistan, surpassing the combined totals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a recent crime report published by The News.
The report reveals a disturbing national crime toll, with 11,074 murders, 2,142 gang rape cases, 4,472 incidents of Zina, and 34,688 cases of kidnapping or abduction recorded across the country.
Punjab emerged as the most affected province, topping all categories, including murder, gang rape, and kidnapping. Islamabad, however, stood out with 22 gang rape cases reported in 2024, raising serious concerns about safety in urban areas.
In terms of murders, Punjab recorded the highest toll with 4,908 cases, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 3,444. Sindh reported 1,862 murders, while smaller totals were noted in Balochistan (528), Islamabad (155), Gilgit-Baltistan (122), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (75).
When it comes to gang rape, Punjab again had the highest number with 2,046 cases, while Sindh recorded 71 cases. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported one gang rape and 402 cases of Zina, and Balochistan had no gang rape cases, only 43 Zina cases. Islamabad, with 22 gang rape cases, also reported 125 Zina cases, while Gilgit-Baltistan had one gang rape case. Azad Jammu and Kashmir reported 33 cases of Zina but no gang rape incidents.
Kidnapping and abduction cases were also notably high, with Punjab reporting 28,702 cases, followed by Sindh (4,331), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (533), Balochistan (406), Islamabad (238), Gilgit-Baltistan (108), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (370).
Despite these alarming statistics, Punjab had the lowest number of riot cases, with only two reported, while Islamabad saw no riot cases at all. Across Pakistan, a total of 4,533 riot cases were recorded in 2024, with Sindh having the highest number at 3,472.
These statistics underscore the pressing need for improved security measures and judicial reforms to address the rising crime rates in various regions of the country.
