THE PARADIGM OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN PAKISTAN: A CONFLICT BETWEEN LAW, CULTURE AND RELIGION

The issue of violence against women, deeply ingrained into the culture of Pakistan, has recently caught the attention of the increasingly active and effective civil society in the country. Both national and international organizations continue to work towards alleviating the issue at large. However, a major barrier towards tackling the issue at hand is the overlapping nature of the culture and religion that has put forth the topic of violence against women as a taboo in the society. Religious misinterpretations alongside cultural norms and the ineffective implementation of laws have led to a weak status of women in Pakistan where it is difficult for women to voice their opinions or claim their rights.