Gynaecologists’ body alarmed over rising violence against female doctors, healthcare workers

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Pakistan (SOGP) has expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in violence against women, including female healthcare professionals, and warned that such incidents are directly contributing to worsening maternal health outcomes in the country.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the SOGP condemned the growing number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases, including the murder, torture, and harassment of women and lady doctors, calling the trend a public health emergency with far-reaching consequences.

“These crimes are not isolated acts of brutality—they directly increase maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Pakistan,” said SOGP President Dr Rubina Suhail, emphasising an urgent need for state intervention.

Citing the Mapping Gender-Based Violence in Pakistan 2024 report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), the society noted that 32,617 GBV cases were reported across the country in 2023 alone. These included 5,339 incidents of rape, 24,439 kidnappings and abductions, 2,238 cases of domestic violence, and 547 honour killings.

The data, gathered from provincial police departments through Right to Information (RTI) laws, showed that Punjab accounted for the vast majority of cases (26,753), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (3,397), Sindh (1,781), and Balochistan (398). Shockingly, in Balochistan, 185 cases of kidnapping were reported, yet not a single conviction was recorded. The report also revealed 5,398 cases of child sexual abuse across Pakistan between 2019 and 2023.

SOGP leaders warned that violence against women — especially those serving as doctors, nurses, and frontline health workers — creates an environment of fear and insecurity that deters women from seeking or providing essential reproductive and maternal health services.

“The disturbing rise in honour killings and targeted violence against lady doctors reflects a culture of impunity and silence. We must not allow this to become normalized,” said Dr Nusrat Shah, vice president of the SOGP.

The society called on the government and judiciary to take immediate action. It demanded that all perpetrators of GBV be brought to justice and that systemic failures—such as poor investigation, lack of protection, and delays in legal proceedings—be addressed through institutional reforms.

The SOGP also urged the state to ensure legal protection, psychosocial support and the provision of safe spaces for survivors and their families.

“The state must break its silence,” said Dr Shabeen Naz Masood, secretary general of the SOGP. “This is a national crisis. We stand united in demanding urgent and visible action to protect the rights and lives of women and healthcare workers.”

The society reiterated its unwavering commitment to speaking out against GBV and supporting all victims, adding that silence in the face of such brutality is not an option.