IHRO Condemns Rising Incidents of Rape and Blackmail in Pakistan, Calls for Urgent Action to Protect

The International Human Rights Observer (IHRO) strongly condemns the increasing incidents of rape, sexual violence, and blackmail in Pakistan, with the latest case in Muzaffargarh highlighting the alarming lack of safety and justice for women. A female schoolteacher was allegedly raped by a man and his two accomplices, who also blackmailed her and extorted Rs5 million under the pretense of arranging US visas for her and her family. Despite her continued victimization, law enforcement has failed to act swiftly, raising concerns about the growing impunity for such crimes.

According to the first information report (FIR) filed with Kot Addu city police, the schoolteacher became friends with the prime suspect, ‘J’, through social media. The suspect, alongside his accomplice ‘GM’ and another unidentified man, promised to secure US visas in exchange for a substantial sum of money. After taking Rs5 million from the victim, ‘J’ reportedly raped her on multiple occasions, recording videos of the abuse to blackmail her for more money, threatening to release the videos on social media if she refused. The victim has demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits and the return of her money.

In another horrifying incident in Kot Sultan, two men, Aqdas Mehdi and Khurram Shahzad, were charged with blackmailing a woman and her daughter using CCTV footage they had recorded without consent. When the victims refused to submit to their demands, the suspects resorted to physical violence. Despite the woman’s pleas for help from local authorities, no decisive action was taken to remove the illegal CCTV camera or to protect her and her daughter from further harassment. The case has only recently been registered, and the victims are now calling for justice from Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, and the Inspector General of Police.

The IHRO condemns these heinous acts as a grave violation of human rights and expresses deep concern over the lack of safety and protection for women in Pakistan. The rising number of rape cases, blackmail, and sexual violence is a direct consequence of systemic failures in law enforcement and justice systems. It is imperative that the government and police forces take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators and implement stringent measures to protect women from such violence.

IHRO urges the authorities to prioritize the safety of women, hold the culprits accountable, and restore confidence in the justice system. The increase in sexual violence against women in Pakistan is unacceptable, and immediate reforms are needed to prevent further abuse.