CCTV ordered in shops to curb child abuse

Shopkeepers given one month to install surveillance systems or face legal action

FAISALABAD:

In a move aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and improving public safety, Faisalabad police have directed all shopkeepers, departmental stores, wholesale markets, shopping malls, and other commercial establishments across the district to install CCTV cameras within one month.

According to an official order issued by City Police Officer (CPO) Tanveer Hussain, businesses that fail to comply with the directive within the stipulated time may face legal action, including the registration of criminal cases and the sealing of their premises.

The decision follows a sharp rise in reported cases of child sexual abuse in the district.

Official figures show that 330 cases involving the sexual abuse of minor boys and girls were reported across Faisalabad during the first six months of 2026, from January 1 to June 30.

The breakdown of the cases shows: Lyallpur Town: 25 cases; Madina Town: 80 cases; Iqbal Division: 71 cases; Jaranwala Division: 82 cases; Sadar Division: 72 cases.

Police records reveal that challans in 154 cases have been completed and submitted to courts, while 118 cases remain under investigation with incomplete challans.

In addition, six cases were submitted to courts under Section 512 of the Criminal Procedure Code with incomplete challans. A total of 48 cases were later dismissed, according to official records.

Speaking about the initiative, CPO Tanveer Hussain said the installation of CCTV cameras is intended not only to help prevent child sexual abuse but also to curb incidents of theft, robbery, and other crimes.

He urged the business community to install surveillance systems without delay to avoid legal action and contribute to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and their property.