A recent report has revealed a troubling 20% rise in crimes against children across Pakistan in the first half of 2025.
Compiled by a private child protection organization, the findings highlight an alarming reality for the country’s most at-risk population — its children.
From January to June 2025, at least 1,956 cases of child abuse were documented, including incidents of abduction, sexual violence, and murder. The report details that 605 children were kidnapped, 453 sexually assaulted, and 192 either went missing or were killed. In addition, 34 children were subjected to brutal or ritualistic abuse, and 31 were murdered following sexual assault.
The victims included 1,079 girls, 875 boys, and 62 newborns. Cases also included reports of forced sexual acts and same-sex abuse.
Punjab leads in reported cases, Sindh follows
Punjab recorded 72% of the total cases, with Sindh accounting for 22%. Urban areas saw 59% of incidents, while 41% occurred in rural communities.
Dr. Munizeh Bano, executive director of the NGO behind the report, stated that most victims were aged 11 to 15 and belonged to poor, marginalized backgrounds. “These children live in environments where their safety is constantly under threat,” she said, noting a disturbing increase in both the frequency and severity of abuse.
Underreporting and lack of justice
The report also shed light on the issue of underreporting and weak law enforcement response:
- 83% of cases were officially registered by police.
- 15% went completely unreported.
- In 27 cases, families chose not to involve police due to fear or social stigma.
- One case involved police refusal to lodge an FIR.
Such gaps in reporting and accountability allow perpetrators to act with impunity, further endangering vulnerable children.
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