More convictions, higher visibility

A so-called cleric serving a religious seminary in Karachi has been handed double 15-year sentences along with a fine of Rs2 million by a sessions court for sexual abuse – a crime that is rarely reported, let alone penalised. Two boys came forward with their complaints, illustrating exactly why these perpetrators must not be protected or feared. It was only after one report, filed against the cleric, hit the television headlines that a second boy recognised him and reported his own ordeal.

A year after the FIRs were registered, the criminal is finally facing the consequences of his actions.

For a justice system to effectively work, two mechanisms must work together like a well-oiled machine. Reporting and conviction. But the fact of the matter is that when a crime is made taboo not in its execution but in its suffering, the probability of reporting drastically goes down. It is why we must encourage convictions and justice for existing victims; so that those who are too afraid to speak up gain courage to do so. In order to assure them that the law stands with their pain.

Moreover, while instances of sexual abuse have been identified in mainstream educational institutions also, it is very sad to note that such immoral and illegal conduct has once again found its link with a religious seminary – firming up the notion these places often hide a bleak reality behind their religious exterior, which is sometimes the very facet that allows clerics to hide in plain sight.

According to a 2023 census, there are over 36,000 madrassahs in Pakistan with over 2 million students, and a large number freely operate unregistered. Meant to be hubs for spiritual development and personal growth, these institutes have at times come under scrutiny for unimaginable levels of violence - specially against minors - including sexual abuse and rape. However, it's encouraging to note that in the case under study, the abuser has failed to hide behind the guise of religion.