Download

Accountability for Rape - A Case Study of Lodhran

This project was a collaborative effort of the Centre for Human Rights and the American Bar Association – Rule of Law Initiative. The case study investigates the procedural and structural challenges that are faced by complainants & victims of rape in finding justice at the trial court level in Pakistan. The report involved analyzing 63 trial court files from District Lodhran, specifically cases that are ‘contested acquittals’ i.e. cases that went from filing to trial. The analysis explored factors from the occurrence of the incident to the announcement of judgment which cumulatively contributed to extremely high acquittal rates in rape cases for the district by complainants & victims of rape in finding justice at the trial court level in Pakistan.

Research Assistants
Amad Tahir, Arsham Maqbool Bari, Deeya Farrukh, Mahrukh Shahid, Rabia Yasmin Bokhari, and Muhammad Sajjad Qureshi

Principal Researchers
Sevim Saadat & Fatima Yasmin Bokhari

Download
Publication
Gender-based Violence
Nov 2019
Accountability for Rape - A Case Study of Lodhran

This project was a collaborative effort of the Centre for Human Rights and the American Bar Association – Rule of Law Initiative. The case study investigates the procedural and structural challenges that are faced by complainants & victims of rape in finding justice at the trial court level in Pakistan. The report involved analyzing 63 trial court files from District Lodhran, specifically cases that are ‘contested acquittals’ i.e. cases that went from filing to trial. The analysis explored factors from the occurrence of the incident to the announcement of judgment which cumulatively contributed to extremely high acquittal rates in rape cases for the district by complainants & victims of rape in finding justice at the trial court level in Pakistan.

Research Assistants
Amad Tahir, Arsham Maqbool Bari, Deeya Farrukh, Mahrukh Shahid, Rabia Yasmin Bokhari, and Muhammad Sajjad Qureshi

Principal Researchers
Sevim Saadat & Fatima Yasmin Bokhari

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Related works

View All Works

The Convergence of Financial Violence and Polygamy in Pakistan

Financial violence in Pakistan, often exacerbated by polygamy, deprives women of financial autonomy and leaves them vulnerable. Societal pressures and legal loopholes further hinder their ability to escape this abuse.

The Convergence of Financial Violence and Polygamy in Pakistan

Defining Honour: The Case of Qandeel Baloch

The Lahore High Court acquitted the accused in the Qandeel Baloch murder case due to a pardon from the victim's parents, highlighting issues within Pakistan's criminal justice system. The court's decision is criticized for its restrictive interpretation of the law and its failure to address the systemic issues contributing to impunity in honor killings.

Defining Honour: The Case of Qandeel Baloch

Gender-based Violence

CFHR champions gender justice by combating gender-based violence through impactful research & policy advocacy driving systemic reform, community awareness & education initiatives empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights, and targeted capacity building & legal support to strengthen justice systems for survivors.

Gender-based Violence

A Dual-faceted Deterrence Model: Combatting GBV through Conviction Certainty and Rehabilitation

Shahyan Naeem highlights Pakistan’s failure to protect women amid rising gender-based violence. Weakening punishments without boosting conviction rates or offender rehabilitation won’t deter crimes. A dual approach targeting legal reform and cultural change is vital for real progress.

A Dual-faceted Deterrence Model: Combatting GBV through Conviction Certainty and Rehabilitation

Local Action, Global Impact

We work across Pakistan, driving legal reform, advocacy, and policy change to protect human rights and empower communities.

Our Work
Our Partners