HRCP seeks protection of children from online abuse

Cites inadequate safeguards to prevent sexual abuse

LAHORE:

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has warned that online sexual abuse of children remains a serious child protection concern in Pakistan as underreporting, weak coordination among institutions and inadequate safeguards prevent many cases from coming to light.

In its report on online child sexual abuse, the commission said the issue should be treated not merely as a cybercrime challenge but as a violation of children's fundamental rights, dignity and safety. It called for stronger institutional coordination, effective investigations and greater accountability to protect children and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

The report cites a case reported in Muzaffargarh in 2025, in which at least 50 children, including those aged six or younger, were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation through an international network.

Citing figures from the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, the report states that reports linked to suspected child sexual abuse material in Pakistan exceeded two million in 2021. However, these figures represent reports of suspected online activity and should not be interpreted as the number of individual victims.

The HRCP has called for stronger coordination among child protection authorities, police, cybercrime investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary to ensure effective investigations and accountability for perpetrators.

It has also stressed the need to provide affected children with legal assistance, psychological support and rehabilitation services.

The commission said awareness campaigns alone would not address the problem, calling for stronger child protection mechanisms, institutional accountability and greater responsibility from online platforms to make the internet safer for children.