BY: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in cases of violence and abuse against children in Pakistan, saying that the reporting of 1,914 cases between January and June 2026 is a matter of grave concern and demands immediate and effective state action.
“The scale of these cases is deeply disturbing. We are talking about children who should be protected by their families, communities and the state, yet are instead becoming victims of violence and abuse. This cannot be treated as a series of isolated incidents. It is a serious child protection crisis that requires an urgent and coordinated response. There can be no impunity for those who prey on children,” she said.
Senator Rehman noted that 80% of the reported cases were from Punjab, raising serious questions about the effectiveness and reach of existing child protection mechanisms. She said the figures must prompt a closer examination of whether children are able to report abuse safely, whether protection institutions are adequately equipped, and whether perpetrators are being effectively brought to justice.
“Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of these figures is that 43% of the accused were known to the victims, while nearly 45% of incidents reportedly took place inside the children’s own homes. The home is supposed to be the first line of protection for a child. When abuse takes place behind those doors, we have to ask very difficult questions about vigilance, safeguards and accountability within families and communities.”
Senator Rehman stressed that the geographical distribution of cases also demonstrates that child abuse is a societal issue that cannot be confined to any particular class, community or region. 57% of cases were reported from urban areas and 43% from rural areas, she noted.
“Child abuse does not belong to one class, one locality or one community. It is a societal problem. We cannot protect children by looking for it only in certain places or among certain sections of society. We have to build systems of protection that work everywhere and for every child.”
Senator Rehman said that the registration of 89% of reported cases with the police was encouraging, but stressed that registration must be followed by meaningful investigation, prosecution and justice.
“Registration is only the beginning. Every reported case must be investigated promptly, prosecuted effectively and pursued to its logical conclusion. Where guilt is established, perpetrators must face strict and exemplary punishment under the law.”
She urged the higher judiciary to ensure speedy trials in cases involving serious crimes against children, saying that prolonged delays in justice can deepen the sense of impunity among perpetrators and further traumatise victims and their families.
“Justice delayed in cases of violence against children is not simply a procedural failure. It can become another form of injustice for the child. We need a system where cases involving serious crimes against children are dealt with swiftly, sensitively and with the full force of the law,” Senator Rehman said.
She emphasised that protecting children is a shared responsibility of the state and society, while also urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant about individuals and situations that may pose risks to children.
“Parents must remain alert, but we cannot place the entire burden of protection on families. The state has a constitutional and moral responsibility to create an environment where children can live without fear of violence, exploitation or abuse.”
Senator Rehman said Pakistan must move beyond reactive responses and strengthen prevention, reporting, investigation, prosecution and rehabilitation mechanisms for children.
“If, as a state, we cannot guarantee our innocent children their fundamental right to safety and protection, then we must ask ourselves what kind of future we are building. Every child deserves to grow up free from fear, violence and abuse. Protecting that right is not optional; it is a fundamental responsibility of the state and society.”
