KARACHI:
Children are the most vulnerable segment of our society — not even deprived to their fundamental rights but also exposed to threats of abuse of varying degrees and types — including sexual harassment, violence at home, violence at school and workplace, child labour, etc. Social, economic and cultural factors are responsible for such abuse, and victims include both girls and boys. The infamous rape and murder case of seven-year-old Zainab, of Kasur, is an evidence of the treatment meted out to innocent children in our country. Even though Zainab’s culprit was condemned to the gallows, that failed to deter brutes in the garb of men from indulging in such heinous crimes.
There is need to take comprehensive action — including carrying out legislation for stricter punishments, educating children and parents on how to avoid such criminals, and taking steps for improving mental well-being in general — to stop children from being abused. Children are the future of any country. The government must now get serious for saving this future.
Hani Tahyah
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2021.
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