Alarming Rise of Child Sexual Abuse: 12 Cases Daily Reported in Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan – Shocking statistics reveal that child sexual abuse cases are on a distressing rise in Pakistan, with an average of 12 cases being reported every day in 2023, according to a report published by Islamabad-based non-governmental organization (NGO) Sahil.
The half-yearly report, released on Thursday, highlighted that a total of 2,227 cases of child sexual abuse were reported to authorities between January and June this year. Sahil, which has been operating since 1996, collected its data from newspaper reports as well as direct reports made to the organization. The report further disclosed that out of these cases, 1,207 were girls and 1,020 were boys.
Imtiaz Ahmad Soomrah, the national legal aid coordinator for Sahil, emphasized that the majority of the abuse cases involved children between the ages of six and 15. He revealed that over 47 percent of the cases involved children within this age group, with boys (593) being reported as victims more frequently than girls (457).
Disturbingly, the report also indicated that in 912 of the recorded cases, the perpetrators were known acquaintances of the child victims. Sahil’s report shed light on the fact that nearly 75 percent of the reported cases originated from Punjab, the most populous province in Pakistan. Sindh, in the south, came second with 314 cases, while the federal territory of Islamabad witnessed 161 cases during the first half of 2023.
Soomrah attributed Punjab’s high case numbers to a more robust system for reporting and policing. He stated, While there is no doubt that Punjab remains the most affected province, it is also a fact that we are able to gather these figures due to efficient reporting mechanisms in place. However, he expressed concern over the lack of information from Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most impoverished province, which only reported 24 cases throughout the entire year—an astonishingly low figure.
Soomrah blamed the weak judicial system and the societal inclination to settle abuse cases out of court for the lack of convictions in child sexual abuse cases. He explained that the current legal system allows these heinous crimes to linger for years, with a conviction rate of less than 2 percent. Additionally, many cases that do undergo legal processes end up being resolved through compromise between the involved parties. Soomrah pointed to the social and economic pressures faced by victims’ families, as well as the stigma associated with sexual abuse, as contributing factors.
Acknowledging the urgency to protect children from sexual abuse, Muhammad Arif Leghari, a senior official at Pakistan’s human rights ministry, assured that the government is taking steps to implement better mechanisms. Leghari explained that although people often complain about the slow legal system, it is crucial to fulfill constitutional and judicial obligations. Courts meticulously examine arguments from both sides and allow time for proper procedures, ensuring that the law is not abused.
The alarming rise of child sexual abuse in Pakistan demands immediate attention and comprehensive action. As the country strives to protect its most vulnerable population, concerted efforts must be made to strengthen the legal system, raise conviction rates, and extend support to victims and their families. Only through a collective commitment to change can Pakistan combat this grave issue and create a safer environment for its children.
