Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a dark shadow that looms over Pakistan, deeply rooted in cultural norms, systemic inefficiencies, and societal apathy. While legal and institutional reforms have been introduced over the years, the implementation of these measures remains inconsistent. Women and vulnerable groups continue to face violence at alarming rates, with little recourse to justice. As Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024, the battle against GBV is a long and arduous journey, but one that must be fought for the safety, dignity, and rights of all. The statistics are grim and demand immediate attention. Over the past three years, more than 63,000 cases of violence against women were reported, but this number only scratches the surface of the problem. Many cases remain unreported due to societal stigma and fear of retaliation. The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan’s report, Unveiling Shadows: An Overview of Gender-Based Violence Cases 2023, revealed an 81% increase in unsettled GBV litigations, with a backlog of 39,655 cases by the end of 2023. These numbers underscore the urgency of addressing both the prevalence of GBV and the systemic barriers that perpetuate this cycle of violence. Pakistan has made significant strides in introducing laws aimed at protecting women and addressing GBV. The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010) was a pioneering step that led to over 5,000 complaints being registered, offering some measure of protection in professional spaces. The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act (2020) expanded the definition of domestic violence to include physical, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, establishing mechanisms for relief and rehabilitation. The Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Act (2011) has contributed to a 50% reduction in acid attacks, while the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act (2021) mandated the establishment of special courts for rape trials and the use of DNA evidence. However, these laws are often undermined by weak enforcement and societal resistance. Despite legislative achievements, societal attitudes and systemic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress. Cultural norms often prioritize family honor over justice, discouraging survivors from reporting crimes. Survivors who come forward face immense societal backlash, often being ostracized and blamed for the violence inflicted upon them. According to the Aurat Foundation, over 70% of GBV cases in Pakistan go unreported due to fear of retaliation and a lack of trust in law enforcement. For those who do report, the road to justice is fraught with challenges, including delays in judicial proceedings and inadequate survivor support. One of the most glaring issues is the staggering backlog of cases in Pakistan’s judicial system. In Punjab alone, there were 34,350 unresolved GBV cases by the end of 2023, marking a 100% increase in pendency. Nationally, GBV cases pending adjudication rose by 81%, leaving survivors without timely recourse to justice. The conviction rate remains at a dismal 5%, while 64% of accused are acquitted, highlighting significant flaws in evidence collection and judicial processes. Special courts established under the Anti-Rape Act have yet to be fully operationalized, undermining their intended impact. The situation varies across regions, reflecting disparities in progress and challenges. Punjab, with the largest number of GBV-designated courts, faces the most significant backlog, while Sindh showed a modest 3% increase in unresolved cases. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a 14% rise in pending cases, while Balochistan had the lowest increase at 2%, but systemic barriers remain deeply entrenched. Islamabad, despite having only two courts handling GBV cases, saw a marginal 1% increase in case backlog. These regional trends highlight the need for a more coordinated and consistent approach to combating GBV across the country. While legislative measures provide a framework for addressing GBV, institutional mechanisms are equally critical. Women’s protection centers, of which there are 36 nationwide, offer shelter, counseling, and legal aid to survivors. Dedicated gender-based violence units in police stations have improved trust in law enforcement, albeit on a limited scale. Education campaigns challenging societal norms have also played a role in shifting perceptions, emphasizing that domestic violence is a violation of constitutional rights rather than a private matter. However, these initiatives remain insufficient in the face of the magnitude of the problem. The systemic barriers to addressing GBV are multifaceted. Beyond the judicial backlog and societal stigma, survivors often lack access to adequate support infrastructure. Shelters and legal aid programs are concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural areas underserved. Psychological care for survivors is severely underfunded, leaving many without the mental health support they need to recover. Furthermore, law enforcement officials often lack gender-sensitivity training, leading to the mishandling of cases and secondary victimization of survivors. According to a Human Rights Watch report, 40% of women who report GBV face dismissive or hostile attitudes from police. To combat GBV effectively, Pakistan must address these systemic challenges through a multi-faceted approach. Judicial reforms are essential to reduce backlogs and ensure timely justice. Increasing the number of GBV courts and introducing fast-track mechanisms for high-priority cases can significantly improve the efficiency of the judicial system. Strengthening evidence-gathering procedures and ensuring better coordination between law enforcement and prosecutors are critical for improving conviction rates. Survivor-centered support must also be prioritized by expanding the reach of women’s protection centers and allocating more resources for psycho-social care and counseling services. Law enforcement training is another crucial area for reform. Implementing mandatory gender-sensitivity training for police and judiciary officials can help reduce instances of secondary victimization and improve the handling of GBV cases. Accountability mechanisms must also be established to address misconduct and ensure that survivors receive the respect and support they deserve. Public awareness campaigns challenging cultural norms that condone GBV are equally important. Education, particularly for girls, can play a transformative role in shifting societal attitudes and dismantling patriarchal structures that perpetuate violence. Technology offers another avenue for addressing GBV. Digital platforms for anonymous reporting and real-time survivor support can provide a lifeline for those who are hesitant to approach law enforcement. Data analytics from these platforms can also help identify GBV hotspots and inform targeted interventions. Behind every statistic is a human story—a story of pain, resilience, and courage. Take the case of a young woman in rural Punjab who endured years of abuse before finally seeking help. Her fight for justice was met with threats and intimidation from her community, but her determination to break the cycle of violence is a testament to the strength of survivors. Such stories remind us of the long road ahead and the need for collective action to ensure that no woman has to face violence alone. Progress is possible, but it requires more than just laws on paper. It demands a societal shift, a collective acknowledgment that women’s rights are human rights. Women in parliament must unite to push for stricter laws and ensure their enforcement, while civil society must continue to advocate for survivors and challenge societal norms that condone violence. Pakistan’s journey toward gender justice is fraught with challenges, but as the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It is time to turn promises into actions, laws into protections, and silence into voices. The clock is ticking, and the women of Pakistan deserve nothing less than a future of dignity, safety, and equality. By prioritizing judicial efficiency, survivor-centered support, and societal transformation, Pakistan can break free from the shadows of gender-based violence and build a brighter, safer future for all. The writer is working as a researcher and can be reached at sheeba.asad@yahoo.com