EVERY revelation of child sexual abuse is another nail in a society’s coffin. Abhorrent paedophile activity has rocked Pakistan often, yet no lessons are learnt. Thanks to a tip-off from the US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, authorities in Punjab have busted another international child exploitation network, this time operating in a Muzaffargarh gaming club. Children between six and 10 years were abused and filmed; their videos were then sold on the dark web. Hair-raising details from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency reveal that 50 children were trapped in the porn racket run by a German citizen. While some children were rescued and suspects were arrested, the fact that this is yet another instance of predators accessing children from poor backgrounds shows the inability of the authorities to nip such a crime in the bud.

Sexual grooming implies a gradual process of strangers or people known to, mostly, minors gaining the trust of their potential victim through friendly behaviour or enticements. They go on to manipulate the emotions of their young victims and condition them to accept sexual abuse, using graphic material to maintain control. The crisis is exacerbated by the incompetence and corruption of those tasked with safeguarding the most vulnerable, unimplemented laws, a defective criminal justice system and political abandonment. In addition, mechanisms such as the Zainab Alert App have faded from collective memory. The public and media must unite to hold those in power accountable so that the nexus between privilege and porn rings is torn down. Besides, education is a great defence. Raped, trafficked, and turned into child pornography fodder, Pakistan’s innocent are easy prey. Sadly, Punjab’s delayed child protection policy is proof of flawed political priorities. The recent episode again exposes the dangers of a scourge, with global dimensions. Reticence in this moment signals the moral death of a nation.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2025