A report released by a non-profit organization, Sahil, revealed that at least 4,213 children suffered abuse throughout Pakistan in the year 2023, averaging 11 cases of child abuse per day. The report, titled ‘Cruel Numbers 2023,’ was launched with the support of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).
The data included reported cases of child sexual abuse, abduction, missing children, and child marriages across all provinces, including Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan (GB).
Gender-wise analysis indicated that 53% of the victims were girls, while 47% were boys. Children between the ages of 6-15 years were found to be the most vulnerable, with a higher number of reported cases involving boys in this age group. Shockingly, even children as young as 0-5 years old were subjected to sexual abuse.
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The report highlighted that acquaintances were the primary perpetrators of child sexual abuse, followed by relatives, family members, strangers, and women abettors. Geographically, Punjab reported the highest number of cases (75%), followed by Sindh (13%), Islamabad capital territory (7%), KP (3%), and Balochistan, AJK, and GB (2% each).
Addressing the alarming figures, NCHR Chairperson Rabia Javeri Agha emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of child abuse and called for the implementation of free education as provided under Article 25-A of the Constitution. Sahil Executive Director Manizeh Bano stressed the importance of improving the curriculum to provide life-skills based education.
The report also revealed that 91% of the reported cases were registered with the police, indicating the active role of law enforcement in addressing the issue. Additionally, it highlighted cases of child murder after sexual abuse, abduction, missing children, and child marriages.
Sahil’s monitoring also extended to cases of children up to 18 years who suffered injuries or death, with drowning, accidents, and murder being the most common causes. The report, compiled by monitoring national and regional newspapers, aims to raise awareness and contribute to combating violence against children in Pakistan.
