Saving our children

In 2018, the horrific Zainab rape and murder case shocked the nation, prompting leaders to promise a safer environment for children. Yet, five years later, the situation remains dire. Recent reports of six boys rescued from their abusers by Punjab police reveal that children in Pakistan continue to be at risk, with authorities doing little to protect them. The fact that these children were drugged and their explicit videos recorded for profit underscores the systemic failure of society and its guardians. While it is commendable that law enforcement intervened, the deeper issue lies in the rampant exploitation of children across the country. Too many cases of abuse go unreported, unpunished, and untreated. According to the NGO Sahil, an alarming 11 children are abused every day in Pakistan, with many cases involving trusted family members or neighbours.

The Kasur child abuse scandal should have served as a turning point, exposing the widespread nature of this crisis. However, like many other issues, it has been swept under the rug. Promises of a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy toward abusers are insufficient; the real goal should be to prevent these heinous crimes in the first place. The state must urgently rethink its approach to child protection, ensuring that this promise is more than just rhetoric. Children who endure sexual abuse face lifelong trauma that impedes their ability to thrive. For many, speaking out is nearly impossible, particularly when the abuser is someone they know and trust. To address this, we need to focus on proactive solutions. Every school should employ trained child psychologists or psychiatrists who can conduct regular sessions with students. Creating a safe space for children to discuss their concerns is crucial for early detection of potential abuse. Child protection centers must be established to provide temporary refuge for children until their homes are safe. Too often, children remain in abusive environments due to a lack of alternatives.

The problem extends beyond Pakistan’s borders, as the dark web fuels a market for child pornography. Ethical hacking and advanced cybersecurity measures must be employed to dismantle these operations. Law enforcement needs to be more vigilant in combating technological exploitation, as cybercriminals use tactics like posing as gaming apps to lure children into dangerous situations. Our children are our future, and we are failing them. If we do not take swift action, we will continue to allow predators to exploit them for their own gain. It is time to act decisively and pledge to safeguard our children from this epidemic of abuse. The protection of our children cannot be an afterthought; it must be our highest priority.