A REPORT compiled by the Punjab home department — details of which were recently published in this paper — takes a hard look at the menace of child sexual abuse that is rampant in Pakistan. The report carries key statistics and recommendations which, if implemented by the state, can play a major role in bringing down the number of cases, and saving more of Pakistan’s children from the horrific trauma of sexual abuse. According to the study, of the total number of perpetrators facing trial for abuse, 55pc were neighbours of the victims, while 32pc were strangers. During the first five and a half months of 2023, some 1,400 children were abused in Punjab; 69pc of them boys. The report admits that many cases may be unreported as “cultural taboos make it difficult to report the crime”. Gujranwala topped the list with 220 cases, followed by Dera Ghazi Khan and Faisalabad.

Though these figures represent Punjab only, the situation in the other provinces is not too different. Perhaps this is only the tip of the iceberg, as the weakest and most disadvantaged segments of society — children, women, the poor — often do not report the trauma they suffer. As the Punjab report notes, there are numerous laws designed to deal with the menace of child abuse, but lack of “implementation, enforcement and coordination” means that victims don’t get justice and the culprits are not punished. When major cases make the headlines — such as the repulsive Kasur child sexual abuse scandal and the horrific murder of Zainab Ansari — the state swings into action, apparently to soothe public anger. But soon enough, the safety of children is once again relegated to the margins, with little action to back the tough talk against abusers. However, this may change as the government intends to develop a database of sex offenders, which can be a useful tool to keep criminals away from places where they can easily prey on children, such as schools, hospitals and madressahs. The Punjab home department’s recommendation for setting up special courts for child abuse cases also has merit, so that these cases do not get lost in the massive judicial backlog. The advice about focusing on victims’ rehabilitation also needs prompt attention, so that scarred young people can rebuild their lives, and get professional support to overcome their unthinkable pain.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2023