THE latest report by child protection organization ‘Sahil’ presents a deeply disturbing picture of the state of child safety in Pakistan. According to the report, 1,914 cases of child abuse were reported during the first six months of 2026, including sexual abuse, abduction, child marriages, missing children and pornography-related offences. Equally alarming is the finding that many of the perpetrators were known to the victims and that a significant number of incidents occurred within the supposed safety of the victims’ own homes.
Yet, these figures are merely the tip of the iceberg. Child rights advocates have long maintained that a large number of abuse cases never reach the police or the media because of social stigma and lack of confidence in the justice system. The actual scale of child abuse is, therefore, likely to be far greater than what the statistics suggest. It is particularly regrettable that despite the enactment of various child protection laws over the years, we have not succeeded in ensuring a safe environment for children. Legislation alone cannot protect children unless it is effectively implemented through strong institutions, prompt investigations, speedy justice and meaningful rehabilitation for victims. Weak enforcement and inadequate awareness continue to undermine the intended impact of these legal safeguards. Protecting children is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a collective obligation shared by the state, society, educational institutions, communities and, above all, parents. Families must remain vigilant, schools should educate children about personal safety in age-appropriate ways, while law enforcement agencies and child protection institutions must respond swiftly and sensitively to every reported case. Society, too, must abandon the culture of silence that allows abuse to remain hidden. Children are the nation’s most valuable asset and their safety cannot be compromised. We must move beyond reactive measures and adopt a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, protection, accountability and awareness. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment free from fear, abuse and exploitation, with the opportunity to enjoy a safe and secure future.
