Punjab reels from weekend of gender violence: Two women killed, teen girl attacked

In a stark reminder of entrenched gender inequality and domestic abuse, the Pakistani province of Punjab witnessed a wave of violence against women over the weekend as two young women were killed in separate shootings allegedly over household disputes, while a teenage girl was critically injured in an acid attack while she slept.

The incidents took place in the districts of Jhang and Faisalabad and have drawn condemnation from human rights officials and government leaders.

Medical graduate killed by brother in Jhang

In a village in Jhang district, 21-year-old Ayesha Bibi, a recent medical school graduate, was shot dead by her brother after a reported argument over cooking food.

According to police records and her family’s account, the incident occurred on Saturday in Mouza Haveli Lal Gagrana. Ayesha had recently returned from Kyrgyzstan after earning her MBBS degree and was home teaching children in the courtyard when her brother, Muhammad Umair, allegedly asked her to prepare a meal. When she refused, a verbal altercation followed, ending with Umair shooting her at close range.

An official police report, known as a First Information Report (FIR), was filed by her uncle. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

While the FIR cites a domestic dispute as the motive, Hina Pervaiz Butt, chairperson of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, said Ayesha may have been targeted for so-called “honor.”

She had reportedly married a classmate via video call—an act that allegedly provoked her family’s anger.

“Police are actively pursuing the arrest and examining all aspects of the case. It’s premature to comment until the investigation concludes,” said a spokesperson for the District Police Officer (DPO) Jhang.

Another woman killed over delayed meal in Faisalabad

In a separate case, 23-year-old Aneela Naeem was allegedly shot and killed by her younger brother in Faisalabad district, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Lahore, the provincial capital.

Police said the shooting occurred on Sunday in Chak 564 GB, a rural area of Jaranwala, after an argument over a delayed meal. The suspect, identified as Arbaz Khan, is now in police custody.

“We have registered a case under the relevant sections, and the accused is in custody. Further investigation is underway,” said a spokesperson for the City Police Officer (CPO) Faisalabad.

Teenage girl burned in acid attack while asleep

Also on Sunday night, an 18-year-old college student suffered severe chemical burns after two unidentified men entered her home and threw acid on her while she was sleeping in the courtyard.

The attack took place in Mouza Mehram Sial, another village in Jhang district. The victim, Bushra Fatima, was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital, where she remains in critical condition with severe burn injuries.

Police recovered a bottle of hydrochloric acid from the scene and are using forensic evidence to identify the attackers. Two suspects are in custody and being interrogated.

“We are confident that the investigation will lead us to the main culprits,” said the DPO Jhang spokesperson.

Government response

The violent incidents have sparked outrage in Pakistan, where violence against women remains widespread despite legal reforms.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered detailed investigations into the killing of Dr. Ayesha and the acid attack on Bushra. She also directed health officials to provide the best possible medical care to the acid attack survivor.

“These acts of violence are unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly,” she said in a statement.

Hina Pervaiz Butt, head of the Punjab Women Protection Authority, called the attacks a direct threat to the rule of law and state authority.

“Women are no longer safe even within their own homes. This is not just a social issue — it is a test of the writ of the state,” she said.

Butt added that her office would ensure Bushra receives legal, medical, and psychological support and that investigations into all three cases would be closely monitored.

“Justice will be pursued at every level,” she said.

Pakistan has seen a rise in reported gender-based violence in recent years, with many cases rooted in societal norms that tolerate or excuse domestic abuse and so-called "honor" killings.

Although laws against such violence exist, enforcement remains inconsistent, and convictions are rare.