ISLAMABAD, Friday, July 25, 2025 (WNP): The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan has strongly condemned a series of horrific gender-based violence (GBV) incidents across the country, calling for urgent and decisive action to protect women and girls and bring perpetrators to justice.

In a powerful statement issued on Friday, UNFPA expressed grave concern over recent cases of honor killings, sexual violence, and domestic abuse, which it described as “serious violations of human rights” often perpetrated by victims’ own family members.

Citing specific examples, the agency highlighted the brutal case of marital rape that led to the death of a young bride, Shanti, in Sindh; the honor killing of Bano Bibi in Balochistan; and the murder of a teenage girl in Punjab for merely using social media — an alarming instance of technology-facilitated GBV.

“These tragic cases underline a disturbing truth: women and girls are not safe even within the supposed sanctuary of their homes,” the statement said. “Such acts of violence are a direct result of entrenched discriminatory social norms that continue to condone and perpetuate abuse.”

UNFPA Pakistan urged immediate justice for the victims and accountability for all perpetrators. The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of Pakistan to expand survivor-centered support services, improve data collection to guide policymaking, and invest in the prevention of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices.

“Every woman and girl deserves to live a life free from violence and discrimination,” the statement concluded, emphasizing the urgent need for societal and institutional transformation to break the cycle of abuse.