Disturbing Surge in Gender-Based Violence in Sindh - Yet Not a Single Conviction In a heartbreaking revelation, a new report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) highlights a sharp rise in gender-based violence (GBV) across Sindh in 2024 - with not a single conviction reported all year. The report documents a staggering 3,397 cases of rape, honour killings, abductions, and domestic violence. Behind each number is a woman or girl who suffered - many in silence, and all still waiting for justice. Ghotki reported the highest number of rape cases (27), while Karachi South recorded 487 abductions and kidnappings. Shikarpur topped the list for honour killings (23), and Naushero Feroz reported the most domestic violence cases (60). Yet, despite this widespread violence, no convictions were made in any of these districts. What’s even more alarming is that smaller, rural districts like Matiari, Qamber Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, and Ghotki saw disproportionately high rates of violence when adjusted for population - suggesting that women and girls in these areas are especially vulnerable and often left unprotected. Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, explained that the data was gathered using the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information law, and Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan. “These are just the cases that were officially reported to the police,” he said. “We know there are countless others that never make it to the system because of fear, stigma, or simply not knowing where to turn.” The Sindh Police has taken several initiatives to protect women and children but the communities needs to be educated about these initiatives to bring them forward to report the cases. He stressed that the complete absence of convictions points to deeper, systemic issues within the justice system. “When survivors come forward, they need to feel safe, heard, and supported. Instead, we are failing them at every step from reporting to prosecution.” He called for urgent reforms to prioritize the safety of women and children, improve the reporting mechanisms, and ensure that the legal process delivers justice not just statistics.