Balochistan witnesses concerning rise in incidents of violence against women: report

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GEO NEWS
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Geo.tv/Files

QUETTA/KARACHI: A concerning rise in the number of incidents of violence against women (VAW) has been observed in Balochistan in the first three months of 2019, according to a report published by the Aurat Foundation.

According to the report, at least 25 women were killed in various incidents of violence in the first quarter of 2019 — from January to March 2019 — with 10 of them being murdered over honour.

It is noteworthy that in 2018, the reported figure of women killed in violent incidents was 150. Of these, 30 were murdered in honour-killing cases and 14 allegedly committed suicide over domestic issues. Further, 13 other women were kidnapped, two died after acid was thrown on them, and four rape cases were registered.

In this regard, Balochistan Chief Minister Jamal Kamal has taken notice of the rising number of deaths of women and has advised that this troubling trend be stopped.

Kamal has advised the Balochistan government's Women Development Department to analyse the existing laws and recommend amendments to help stop such incidents.

On the other hand, he also advised that the Balochistan Police's Crimes Branch be made responsible for an investigation into the incidents of honour-killing, sayah kari, and violence against women.