Another child abuse scandal

The issue of child pornography and sexual exploitation has been rampant and the situation in Pakistan is no different

There are certain acts that are not acceptable in any society at any period of time. This is because these acts represent the decay of morality and the degradation of humanity. The issue of child pornography and sexual exploitation has been rampant the world over and the situation in Pakistan is no different. Officials have time and again unearthed cases of child pornography and pedophilia scandals that have shaken the nation to its core.

Recently, the FIA’s Cyber Crime Cell successfully busted a gang involved in uploading child pornography on the ‘dark web’ to earn money. According to reports, the suspects, residing in a private housing society in Punjab, had sexually exploited and filmed 10 victims. Not only were videos sold in dollars at a high price online but money was also extorted from the victims via threats of leaking videos. It is no mystery why such evils continue to persist in society. But apart from the glaring problems such as lack of implementation of the criminal code, limited resources, etc, two aspects in particular need to be considered. The first is that cases are only investigated following a complaint and preemptive action is taken by relevant organisations. There must be a system in place to actively search and dismantle such mafias instead of waiting for victims to come forward. The second is that these acts are not just occurring in the underbelly of society but also in rich gated communities, as seen in the above-mentioned case. Officials must take this into serious consideration and initiate a nationwide crackdown to get rid of this evil once and for all. For this cybercrime agencies must work together with law enforcement personnel.

Those found guilty must be subjected to harsh punishments as a form of deterrence to prevent future instances. The state has still not acknowledged the severity of the situation and remains aloof from such happenings.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2022.

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