Lahore Reports 498 Rape Cases And 36 Gang-Rapes In Eight Months, 1,108 Sexual Offences Recorded

Islamabad: Recorded cases of sexual violence against women in Lahore, Pakistan, have raised concerns. Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), an organisation working for minority rights, has quoted police records as saying that between January and August 2026, 498 cases of rape and 36 cases of gang rape were registered in the city.

According to the organisation, an average of more than two cases were reported every day in these two categories combined. Including cases of unnatural sex crimes, the total number of sexual crimes reported in the eight months is 1,108. On the basis of these figures, the organisation has expressed concern about the safety of women and the justice system. 

Which areas of Lahore recorded the highest number of cases?

According to the police division, a maximum of 132 cases of rape were registered in Sadar division. After this, 98 cases were reported in Model Town, 92 in Cantonment, 80 in Iqbal Town, 56 in City Division and 40 in Civil Lines. These figures show that the scope of recorded cases extends to different parts of the city. 

Model Town topped the list of gang rape cases with 10 cases. Nine cases were recorded in Cantonment, while six cases each were recorded in Sadar and Iqbal Town. Three cases were reported in civil lines and two in the City division. Thus, gang rape cases were registered in all six police divisions. 

What is the figure of total 1,108 sexual crime cases?

According to VOPM, apart from cases of rape and gangrape, 574 reports of unnatural sexual crimes were also registered. Including these, the total from January to August comes to 1,108 cases. This number is based on complaints lodged with the police, so it cannot be considered a complete picture of all sexual crimes committed in the city.

Human rights organisations say social stigma, family pressure, lack of trust in the police and fear of being ostracised may prevent many victims from filing complaints. In such a situation, the number of cases registered may be less than the actual incidents.

Why did the case of alleged gang rape of a foreign woman attract attention?

The organisation also mentioned the case of alleged gang rape of a 20-year-old Azerbaijani woman in Lahore, which had drawn international attention. VOPM said the issue of sexual violence against women is not limited to foreign nationals only. Pakistani women and girls also face similar incidents, many of which do not reach wider public discussion. 

What questions did the organisation raise?

VOPM said mere filing of complaints is not enough. It is also necessary to strengthen the process of providing protection, legal aid and justice to the victims. The organisation stressed increasing the rate of conviction of culprits and creating a conducive environment for victims to file complaints without fear.

These figures reveal a grim picture of sexual crimes recorded in Lahore. However, the number of FIRs alone cannot fully assess the actual increase in crimes or the number of convictions. For this, information on comparative police statistics, progress of investigation and outcome of cases in courts is also necessary.