Our vulnerable children

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Some 3,364 cases of child abuse were reported across Pakistan in 2024, according to Sahil's annual Cruel Numbers report - an alarming figure that should shock the conscience of the nation. The cases, drawn from media reports across all provinces, include 1,828 incidents of child sexual abuse, 1,204 abductions, 241 missing children and 56 children murdered after sexual assault. The numbers are staggering, but likely still underrepresent the true scale of abuse in the country.

The gender breakdown shows 1,791 girls and 1,573 boys were abused, with the 11-15 age group being most at risk. Cases involving children as young as five were also documented, while 45 child marriages — mostly of young girls — point to persistent harmful practices that go unchecked.

While the registration of 93% of the cases with police suggests increased responsiveness, justice remains elusive for most survivors. Weak investigations, lack of witness protection and societal stigma often lead to case withdrawals or acquittals. This crisis demands more than reactive policing.

A comprehensive national child protection framework is urgently needed, with specialised units in every district, fast-track courts for abuse cases and mandatory child safety education in schools. Law enforcement must be trained to handle cases with sensitivity and professionalism, while survivors must be given psychological and legal support throughout the process.

Above all, society must reject the culture of silence that protects perpetrators. Families, schools, religious institutions and community leaders all have a role to play in safeguarding children. Every case of abuse is a failure of the system. We cannot continue looking away. Until the safety of our children becomes non-negotiable, we remain complicit in their suffering.