ISLAMABAD: Startling official crime data for 2024 reveals that the federal capital, Islamabad, reported more gang rape cases than the entire provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and the regions of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan combined — a grim reflection of the growing concern over gender-based violence in urban areas.
According to figures obtained by The News, 2,142 cases of gang rape were registered across Pakistan last year, with the Punjab province alone accounting for a staggering 2,046 cases — by far the highest in the country.
What has raised eyebrows, however, is that Islamabad reported 22 gang rape cases in 2024, outpacing the combined total of KP (1 case), Balochistan (0), GB (1), and AJK (0).
Overall Crime Snapshot: Over 11,000 Murders, 34,000+ Kidnappings Reported Nationwide
The overall crime tally paints a troubling picture. A total of:
11,074 murders
2,142 gang rapes
4,472 Zina (rape/fornication) cases
34,688 cases of kidnapping or abduction
were officially recorded across Pakistan in 2024.
Punjab once again led in most categories, including:
Murders (4,908)
Kidnappings/Abductions (28,702)
Zina cases
Attempted murders and cases of hurt
Murder Statistics by Region
Punjab: 4,908
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 3,444
Sindh: 1,826
Balochistan: 528
Islamabad: 155
Gilgit Baltistan: 122
Azad Jammu & Kashmir: 75
Zina & Gang Rape Figures
Islamabad: 22 gang rape cases, 125 Zina cases
KP: 1 gang rape case, 402 Zina cases
Balochistan: No gang rapes, 43 Zina cases
GB: 1 gang rape case
AJK: 33 Zina cases, no gang rapes
Sindh: 71 gang rape cases
Kidnapping & Abduction
Out of the 34,688 total kidnapping/abduction cases, the breakdown is as follows:
Punjab: 28,702
Sindh: 4,331
KP: 533
Balochistan: 406
Islamabad: 238
Gilgit Baltistan: 108
AJK: 370
Riots in 2024: Most in Sindh, Least in Islamabad
Pakistan recorded 4,533 riot incidents last year. Sindh stood out with 3,472 cases, while Islamabad reported none. Other notable figures include:
Punjab: 2 cases
Balochistan: 292
Gilgit Baltistan: 196
KP: 12
AJK: 557
Policy & Enforcement Questions Raised
The sharp discrepancy in reported gang rape cases, particularly Islamabad’s unusually high figures, has sparked debate over urban vulnerability, law enforcement efficacy, and the need for judicial and societal reforms to combat crimes against women.
Analysts urge that while Punjab’s scale of population contributes to high numbers, the capital’s rise in gang rape cases despite its size and status as the seat of power is cause for serious concern.
