LULLED into a sense of false security by its own denial and apathy, Pakistan is a long way from achieving tangible solutions to the curse of child abuse. The state’s refusal to address the presence of this scourge, and the lifelong traumas associated with it, is a ticking time bomb for young generations. The 2025 Cruel Numbers report from Sahil scanned the grim circumstances our young are forced to navigate. Its numbers spelled out the systemic insensitivity towards their safety:at least 2,003 child sexual abuse cases were registered in the country. Punjab topped the list with 1,549, 330 in Sindh, 91 in KP, and a total of 33 in other areas. Meanwhile, over 4,200 children experienced sexual violence in 2024. Most incidents go unreported. As disturbing number of cases frequently appear in the media, a tragedy unfolds before us. Even so, child safety, despite censure from rulers and activists, helplines and laws to protect children from all violence, remains in shambles. Crimes against children are endemic because reforms in the criminal justice system are overdue and the conviction rate is pitiful.

While violence is a reality for a billion of the world’s innocent who endure physical, emotional or sexual abuse annually, Pakistan is a paradox where there is a surfeit of laws to shield children. The NCCIA Punjab has now announced a dedicated cell to provide prompt registration, investigation and prosecution of cases involving women and children. But past promises have failed to bring about a reassessment of priorities. Horrific events — from the 2015 pornography scandal involving hundreds of boys and girls in Kasur to the rape and murder of little Zainab Ansari in 2018 and similarly despicable incidents — led to the Kasur Hamara Hai movement and a spate of alerts and legislations, including the Criminal Law Amendment in 2016 and the Anti-Rape Act. Yet a child’s innocence is still a disposable commodity. Laws and pledges may be momentary but the toll of abuse, shame and disregard is not. It imperils the stability and productivity of our youth. Exploitation also devastates mental and physical health, and jeopardises children’s academic future. Corrective actions entail protection and psychosocial support for victims and their families with awareness and education. Lastly, a callous police force and society silence survivors. The state must know this damage consumes generations.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026