The repeated reports of rape, gang rape and sexual abuse of women and children in Pakistan raise a question that goes beyond individual criminal cases: what conditions allow such violence to persist, and why have existing deterrents failed to prevent it?

The National Commission for Human Rights has noted that rape is significantly under-reported and has identified obstacles including delays in registering first information reports, weaknesses in investigations and limited progression of cases through prosecution and conviction.

The National Commission for Human Rights has itself intervened in cases involving alleged sexual assault of children and has highlighted concerns about investigation and institutional handling of such cases.

The repeated reports of rape, gang rape and sexual abuse of women and children in Pakistan raise a question that goes beyond individual criminal cases: what conditions allow such violence to persist, and why have existing deterrents failed to prevent it?

Every reported case demands investigation and punishment in accordance with law. But a........

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