By Majid Maqsood
Child abuse in Pakistan continues to be a grim reality, with alarming new statistics highlighting the persistent threat to our nation’s children. According to the latest figures from Sahil’s “Six Months Cruel Numbers” report for the first half of 2024, a staggering 1,630 cases of child abuse were reported across the country. These numbers underscore a deeply rooted problem that affects children of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of gender or region. The data reveals a heartbreaking picture, with 862 cases of child sexual abuse, 668 cases of abduction, 82 instances of missing minors, 18 child marriages, and 48 cases of pornography following sexual exploitation.
These figures are not just statistics; they represent real lives, young individuals who have been subjected to unimaginable suffering. The numbers show that 59 percent of the victims were girls, while 41 percent were boys. This gender breakdown is significant because it challenges the misconception that boys are less likely to be victims of abuse. While girls remain more vulnerable, the significant percentage of male victims highlights that child abuse is a universal issue that transcends gender boundaries. This revelation demands a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing child abuse, one that ensures the safety and protection of all children, regardless of gender.
The regional distribution of the reported cases is also telling. Punjab, the most populous province, accounted for a staggering 78 percent of the total cases, a figure that reflects the province’s demographic size but also raises questions about the effectiveness of child protection mechanisms in the region. Sindh reported 11 percent of the cases, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) contributed 3 percent. The concentration of cases in Punjab may indicate better reporting mechanisms or a greater willingness to bring such cases to light, but it also points to the need for targeted interventions in this province to address the root causes of child abuse. The disparity in regional reporting also suggests that child abuse is likely underreported in other parts of the country, where cultural and social barriers may prevent victims and their families from coming forward. This is particularly concerning in areas where traditional norms and stigmas around issues of abuse may inhibit disclosure. In these regions, there is a critical need for awareness campaigns and the establishment of accessible reporting mechanisms to ensure that all victims have the opportunity to seek help and justice. Child sexual abuse, which accounts for more than half of the total reported cases, remains a particularly insidious and pervasive problem. The 862 cases reported in the first half of 2024 represent only the tip of the iceberg, as many cases of sexual abuse go unreported due to fear, shame, and societal pressure. The trauma inflicted on children by such abuse is profound and long-lasting, affecting their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Survivors of child sexual abuse often carry the scars of their experiences into adulthood, which can lead to a range of issues including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
The 668 cases of abduction are equally troubling, as they often lead to further abuse, exploitation, or trafficking. Abduction of children is a grave violation of their rights and exposes them to severe risks, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and even organ trafficking. The prevalence of child abductions highlights the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to enhance their efforts in preventing such crimes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. It also underscores the importance of community vigilance and the role of society in safeguarding children. The 82 reported cases of missing minors further compound the crisis.
When children go missing, their families are plunged into a nightmare of uncertainty and fear. The anguish of not knowing the whereabouts or fate of a child is indescribable. In many cases, missing children are never found, leaving their families in a state of perpetual grief. The high number of missing children cases calls for better coordination between law enforcement agencies and child protection services to track and recover missing minors swiftly. Child marriage, though accounting for a smaller percentage of the total cases, is another form of child abuse that must be addressed with urgency. The 18 cases reported in the first half of 2024 are a stark reminder that child marriage remains a prevalent issue in certain parts of Pakistan, despite legal prohibitions.
Child marriage robs children, particularly girls, of their childhood, education, and opportunities. It often leads to a cycle of poverty, domestic violence, and health complications. To combat child marriage, there must be a concerted effort to enforce existing laws, raise awareness about the harms of child marriage, and provide support to families to prevent such practices. The 48 cases of pornography after sexual exploitation are perhaps the most shocking aspect of the report. These cases represent the darkest side of child abuse, where victims are not only exploited but their abuse is documented and distributed, perpetuating the cycle of harm. The production and dissemination of child pornography are heinous crimes that inflict irreparable damage on the victims.
Combating this issue requires robust law enforcement action, international cooperation, and the development of advanced technological tools to track and dismantle networks involved in such activities. Addressing the issue of child abuse in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government agencies, non-governmental organizations, communities, and individuals. At the governmental level, there is an urgent need to strengthen child protection laws and ensure their effective implementation. This includes harsher penalties for perpetrators, improved training for law enforcement and judicial officers, and the establishment of specialized child protection units within police departments.
Non-governmental organizations, such as Sahil, play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing support to victims, and advocating for policy changes. Their work must be supported and expanded to reach more areas, particularly in regions where child abuse is underreported. Communities must also be engaged in the fight against child abuse. This includes educating parents, teachers, and caregivers about the signs of abuse and the importance of reporting suspected cases. It also involves challenging harmful cultural practices and norms that perpetuate abuse and stigmatize victims. At an individual level, we all have a responsibility to protect children. This means being vigilant, speaking out against abuse, and supporting victims in their journey to recovery. It also means advocating for children’s rights and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of life.
(The writer is a senior analyst social, political, and geopolitical scenarios, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
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