Pakistan sees alarming 33pc surge in child sexual abuse cases over six years

By Zahid Gishkori, Muhajid Hussain & Abobakar Khan 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed a staggering 33 per cent increase in child sexual abuse cases over the past six years, with more than 26,000 children falling victim to these heinous crimes, according to official and non-governmental data. 

On average, 13 children are subjected to sexual abuse daily, underscoring a national crisis that demands immediate attention. 

Punjab: The Epicentre of Child Abuse 

Research by Hum Investigates reveals that 78 per cent of all reported cases in the first half of 2024 occurred in Punjab, a province grappling with widespread child abuse and inadequate law enforcement. In just six months, 862 cases of sexual abuse were reported, alongside 668 child abductions, 82 mysterious disappearances, 18 early marriages, and 48 instances of abuse linked to pornography. 

One recent incident involved the husband of a schoolteacher in Gujranwala, who confessed to sexually abusing young schoolgirls over several years. Medical reports confirmed the abuse of five girls aged 11 to 14. While the school was shut down, the trauma endured by the victims and their families remains immeasurable. 

Shocking Statistics and Disturbing Trends 

From 2018 to 2023, Pakistan recorded fluctuating but consistently alarming numbers of child abuse cases, reflecting the persistent vulnerability of minors. In 2018, 5,048 cases were reported, slightly decreasing to 4,751 in 2019 and 4,273 in 2020.

A notable drop occurred in 2021, with 2,078 cases reported, but the numbers surged again to 4,273 in 2022 and 4,420 in 2023. 

Imam’s father turn his son in for abusing madrassa children

Preliminary data from 2024 paints an equally grim picture, with numerous cases linked to crimes involving the dark web and pornographic content. Experts believe these figures represent only a fraction of the true scale, as many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, or powerful perpetrators. 

The Vulnerable Faces of Child Abuse 

Statistics show that out-of-school children are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Most offenders are relatives or acquaintances who exploit opportunities to harm their victims. Disturbingly, trusted individuals such as family friends and neighbors are often the perpetrators. 

Adding to the tragedy, approximately 110 children in Pakistan commit suicide annually, a heartbreaking reflection of despair and hopelessness. These incidents highlight systemic failures to protect the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable. 

Expert Insights: Root Causes and Solutions 

Muneeza Bano, Executive Director of Sahil, an NGO addressing child abuse, described forced sexual abuse as the most egregious violation of children’s rights. She highlights cultural stigmas that prevent families from seeking justice, leaving victims unsupported. 

Afshan Tehseen, former chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, attributed children’s vulnerability to widespread neglect and poverty. 

Also read: US sues shelter provider over sexual abuse of migrant children

The Cruel Number, a report by Sahil, revealed stark regional disparities in child abuse cases. Sindh accounts for 11 per cent of incidents, making it the second-highest region after Punjab. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 3 per cent of cases, while Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan collectively recorded 2 per cent. Islamabad, the federal capital, reported 6 per cent of cases — a higher rate than some provinces combined, reflecting a troubling urban trend. 

The Way Forward: Safeguarding Pakistan’s Children 

Despite Pakistan’s child protection laws and bureaus, weak implementation continues to undermine their effectiveness. 

Experts stressed the need for immediate and robust measures. Parents must create safe, nurturing environments at home, while schools should educate children about their rights and empower them to recognize and report abuse. 

Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary must ensure accountability, delivering swift and decisive justice to offenders. Demonstrating zero tolerance for crimes against children is essential to safeguarding the nation’s future. 

Child rights advocates emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility among parents, schools, law enforcement, and society. Without urgent collective action, Pakistan risks further devastation from these persistent atrocities. 

A Collective Responsibility 

The alarming rise in child sexual abuse cases calls for urgent societal and governmental introspection. Only through a unified response can Pakistan hope to secure a safer and brighter future for its children. 

Nauman Quddus and Tariq Wasim contributed reporting