Pakistan is facing a significant challenge with widespread crimes against children, coupled with long-overdue criminal justice reforms and a low conviction rate. A report highlighted the state’s denial and apathy, hindering effective action against child abuse and its lasting impacts. The situation has been described as a “ticking time bomb” for the younger generation due to inaction.
According to the 2025 Cruel Numbers report by Sahil, a Pakistan-based organization monitoring gender-based violence, the country saw 2,003 registered cases of child sexual abuse, with Punjab reporting the highest number at 1,549 cases. Additionally, over 4,200 children encountered sexual violence in 2024, with many cases going unreported. Despite media coverage of numerous cases, child safety measures in Pakistan remain inadequate, reflecting endemic crimes against children.
The editorial in Dawn emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the criminal justice system and the improvement of the conviction rate to address the prevalent crimes against children effectively. While Pakistan has laws in place to protect children, the enforcement and implementation of these laws remain a challenge, leading to continued vulnerability among the youth.
The report also highlighted several high-profile cases of child abuse in Pakistan, such as the 2015 child pornography scandal in Kasur and the tragic rape and murder of Zainab Ansari in 2018. These incidents sparked public outrage and calls for legislative action, but substantial progress in addressing the root causes of child abuse is yet to be seen. The report stressed the importance of providing protection and psychosocial support to victims and their families, along with raising awareness and promoting education to prevent such atrocities.
Recent reports have pointed out a concerning rise in child abuse cases in Pakistan, signaling not only an increase in violence but also a worrying shift in public response. Each case represents a personal tragedy and a failure of the system designed to safeguard vulnerable individuals. Despite the frequency of these incidents, they often receive brief attention in the news before fading into obscurity.
