Report highlights incessant child abuse

Seven children kidnapped in Punjab every day last year

LAHORE:

A total 2,534 children were kidnapped in Punjab in 2023, while 891 were sexually abused, according to statistics provided by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO).

It stated that the number of cases of violence against children in the province was alarmingly high in 2023, indicating the need for urgent attention from relevant stakeholders.

According to findings of the report, most rampant crime against children was kidnapping, with a total of 2,534 cases reported during the year, almost at par with the 2,539 cases recorded in 2022, showing that there was little to no improvement. The report indicated that on average seven children were kidnapped in then province every day in 2023.

In terms of hotspot districts, a majority of cases were reported from Lahore (840), Sialkot (194) and Gujranwala (143).

The number of cases of sexual abuse were also a major point of concern, with 891 cases last year compared to 621 in 2022. The report indicated that 17 children were sexually abused every week in 2023. High number of cases were reported in Lahore (346), Sheikhupura (76) and Bahawalnagar (61). Additionally, 12 cases of child pornography were also reported.

An increasing number of child murder cases was another cause for concern highlighted by the SSDO. It was reported that 493 cases occurred in 2023, indicating an average of nine children murdered every week. Lahore (61), Faisalabad (32) and Gujranwala (26) were the hotspots.

Moreover, it was reported that incidence of trafficking and physical abuse of children nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023. At least 157 children were subjected to physical abuse in 2023, compared to 83 in 2022.

Likewise, 108 children were trafficked in 2023, compared to 49 in 2022. The hotspots of physical violence included Sialkot (37), Faisalabad (16) and Sheikhupura (11).

SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas stated, “Although the number of cases are high but SSDO appreciates the Punjab Police for ensuring the registration of cases of violence against children. The actual number of abused children can be much higher than the reported number. Police need to expand surveillance and engage the local community to identify the culprits of child abuse in the society.”

He said the police had improved registration of cases but the judiciary needed to play a proactive role in terms of conviction of the accused. “Every number represents a child whose safety has been compromised and childhood shattered. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders – authorities, communities, and individuals alike – to take decisive action to protect our children from violence and exploitation. Only our joint efforts can make a profound difference in ensuring a safer, brighter future for every child,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2024.