KARACHI — The conviction rate for rape cases in Sindh has risen significantly to 22 percent in 2025, up from just 5 percent in 2020. An official report attributes this sharp increase to recent legislative reforms, institutional capacity-building, and the operationalization of specialized gender-based violence courts across the province.
Key Highlights
- Sindh’s conviction rate for rape offenses climbed from 5% in 2020 to 22% in 2025.
- Dedicated Special Sexual Offences Investigation Units (SSOIUs) are now active in all provincial districts.
- Minor rape cases saw the highest legal success, resulting in 12 convictions out of 25 registered cases.
- Despite the statistical improvement, the vast majority of disposed cases still end in acquittals.
- A large backlog persists, with 357 out of 555 total cases remaining unresolved by the end of last year.
Targeted Investigations and Better Evidence Handling
Sindh police officials note that the 22 percent success rate represents the highest conviction figure for rape cases in the country. DIG Crime and Investigations Amir Farooqi attributed the progress to specialized training provided to investigators on evidence collection, case file preparation, and stricter handling protocols. Furthermore, these dedicated units maintain close, timely coordination with medico-legal officers (MLOs) to ensure the proper preservation and forensic analysis of critical evidence before it reaches the prosecution.
The conviction rate in rape cases in Sindh rose to 22 per cent in 2025 from 5pc in 2020. (Source Dawn 4 June 2026 ) #justice
— Mohammad Ali Babakhel (@alibabakhel) June 4, 2026
The legal framework is governed by multiple provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), amended under the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2021. This includes specific sections targeting standard rape, gang rape, the rape of a minor, and offenses committed by repeat offenders or public figures in positions of authority.
Case Breakdown and the Remaining Backlog
A closer look at the 2025 legal outcomes reveals varied success across different offense categories:
| Offense Category (PPC Section) | Cases Registered | Acquittals | Convictions |
| Standard Rape (Sec. 376-1) | 178 | 135 | 28 |
| Rape of a Minor (Sec. 376-3) | 25 | 7 | 12 |
| Gang Rape (Sec. 376-2) | 15 | 9 | 3 |
| Rape by Authority Figure (Sec. 376-1A) | 9 | 9 | 0 |
Official reports clarify that evaluating the conviction rate based purely on final verdicts—rather than total pending registrations—offers the most accurate depiction of court behavior, given that trials frequently face lengthy delays. Out of a total caseload of 555 files active in 2025, courts successfully disposed of 198 cases, leaving a substantial judicial backlog to be carried over.
