06/07/2025
“Silent Screams: Over 4,000 Pakistani Children Sexually Abused Annually—A Crisis Demanding Zero Tolerance”
Child sexual abuse is one of the darkest, yet most under-discussed, crises in Pakistan. Every year, thousands of innocent children are subjected to horrific acts of sexual violence, with deep and lifelong psychological scars. Despite occasional outrage, society often slips back into silence, letting abusers escape accountability.
According to Sahil’s Cruel Numbers 2023, there were 4,213 child sexual abuse cases reported nationwide—averaging over 11 children abused every day. This shocking figure closely follows 2022, when 4,253 cases were reported. Such consistency shows the failure of existing systems to curb this menace.
The SSDO’s 2024 Violence Against Children report further reveals 2,954 sexual abuse cases among 7,608 total child violence incidents, proving that sexual abuse remains a major threat to Pakistan’s children.
Provincial breakdown (Sahil 2023):
Punjab: 2,729 cases (65%)
Sindh: 861 cases (20%)
Islamabad: 344 cases (8%)
KP: 200 cases (5%)
Balochistan: 30 cases (1%)
AJK/GB: 49 cases (1%)
Gender statistics reveal 55% girls and 45% boys are victims—clearly showing both genders are tragically vulnerable. Alarmingly, 54% of victims were aged 11–15, indicating early adolescence as the highest-risk period.
According to UNICEF estimates, more than one in four Pakistani children face some form of sexual violence during childhood—though the majority of these cases go unreported due to social stigma, fear, or mistrust in authorities.
This crisis is not just a social or moral issue, but a direct violation of children’s fundamental rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which Pakistan is a signatory.
Islamic teachings categorically prohibit and condemn child sexual abuse. Classical Islamic law prescribes severe punishments, including death, for those proven guilty of ra**ng minors. The Quran (6:151, 24:19) and Hadith command protection of children and punishment of oppressors.
Experts and child rights activists insist: ✅ Introduce mandatory personal safety education in schools.
✅ Reduce stigma to encourage victims and families to report abuse.
✅ Establish child protection units in police stations across all districts.
✅ Train teachers, doctors, police, and judiciary to handle cases sensitively.
✅ Enforce existing laws such as Pakistan Penal Code 376 and Zainab Alert Act, ensuring swift justice and exemplary punishment.
Child sexual abuse is a national emergency. We, as a society, must rise collectively to protect our children. Silence helps the abuser—awareness, education, and accountability protect the child.
References:
Sahil’s Cruel Numbers 2022 & 2023 reports.
SSDO’s Violence Against Children 2024 report.
UNICEF child protection statistics.
Pakistan Penal Code Section 376; Zainab Alert Act.
Quran (6:151, 24:19) and Hadith (Ibn Majah).
Dr. Majid khan