A woman carries one fear with her throughout her life — the fear of staying safe. People often say that if a shadow appears suddenly, a man worries it might be a ghost — but a woman worries it might be a man.

What makes it worse is that after a woman suffers violence, our so-called cultural “values” and society immediately blame her. If a woman is raped, people ask: Why was she out alone? What was she wearing? Was her character even respectable? These questions show something deeply disturbing — we are not just ignoring a crime; we are justifying it.

In 2024 alone, 5,339 rape cases were reported in Pakistan out of a total of 32,617 gender-based violence incidents nationwide, according to the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO). These numbers reveal the scale of the crisis we are dealing with.

Recently, a drama titled Case No. 9 aired on Geo News. I am genuinely glad that this drama is educating people about this crime, and more importantly, about the legal rights and procedures connected to it. It explains what types of evidence are available within the first 24 hours, and how these details can help catch the culprit quickly.

Case No. 9 is written by Shahzaib Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain. It is produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi under the banner of 7th Sky Entertainment.

Five Powerful Legal Lessons Highlighted— Lessons the Drama Brought to Life

1.A survivor’s character has no legal relevance — it cannot be used against her.

When a woman is raped, the defence team’s first move is usually to attack her character.

However, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah made it clear that a woman’s character has nothing to do with the crime committed against her:

“Her character-related questions have no connection to the actual issue — whether rape occurred.”

2.A rape survivor’s testimony holds special weight.

The Supreme Court recognises the depth of trauma a rape survivor endures. As Justice Mansoor Ali Shah wrote: “A rape victim stands on a higher pedestal… she suffers psychologically and emotionally.”

3.Sexual history cannot be used to imply consent.

One of the most damaging misconceptions is that a woman who has been sexually active is more likely to have “agreed.” Justice Mansoor Ali Shah rejected this notion outright:

“The assumption that ‘unchaste’ or ‘immoral’ women are more prone to consent has no legal foundation.”

Justice Ayesha Malik added one of the most powerful statements in Pakistan’s legal history:

“Even the most promiscuous of women does not deserve to be raped.”

4.The accused is on trial — not the victim.

Both landmark judgments underline this principle. As Justice Mansoor Ali Shah wrote:

“A woman, regardless of her reputation or sexual history, is entitled to equal protection under the law.”

5. Courts must stop using degrading, misogynistic language about women.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah directed courts that “Courts should discontinue the use of… ‘habituated to sex’, ‘woman of easy virtue’, ‘loose moral character’, and ‘non-virgin.’

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)