Sex predators on prowl in K-P
The victim’s family had said that the girl was repeatedly tortured. Her medical examination also found bruises, dislocations and fractures. PHOTO: FILE
Despite all the efforts and legislation by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government to protect children from sexual predators, child molestation has been on the rise as it jumped up by 93 per cent in 2021.
As per the Central Police Office (CPO), 360 cases of child sexual abuse were recorded in 2021 across the province.
K-P witnessed 185 molestation cases in 2019, 323 cases in the year 2020 and 360 cases in 2021, showing a disturbing upward trend.
The CPO data divides these cases into two categories on the basis of gender and shows that 135 boys and 50 girls were raped in 2019, 272 male children and 51 female children in 2020 and 311 boys and 49 girls were abused in 2021.
As per the data, 248 accused were arrested in 2019, 468 in 2020 and 477 in 2021 by police.
Mardan district has been on top of the list, with a total of 42 cases reported in 2019, 51 in 2020 and 58 cases in 2021.
Talking to The Express Tribune a child rights activist and Project Coordinator Group Development Peshawar, Pakistan, said that child sexual abuse is no doubt a reality in this part of the world.
He maintained that unfortunately in the past both society and state were in a constant denial on this issue which complicated the situation even more.
“Parents and victims were reluctant to lodge FIRs because they considered rape a shame but things have changed now to some degree and victims are coming forward to contact police. As a result the community and government have shown a resolve to prevent and respond to the cases of child abuse,” he said.
Takkar added that efforts were still needed to engage the community as well as other relevant stakeholders to prevent children from the menace.
“We have to strengthen the child protection system to respond to such cases efficiently. Awareness is also needed among parents and children to ensure the safety of the child,” he said.
A non-governmental organisation Sahil’s annual report titled “Cruel Numbers 2021,” stated that up to ten children were molested in Pakistan every day in some way.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2022.