Security concerns

In Pakistan, kidnapping for ransom has become quite common. However, this issue is often ignored by the higher authorities. This is why adequate measures are not taken to deal with the problem. Because of the continuous negligence, kidnappers have found it easy to kidnap children of almost any age and ask for handsome amount of money as ransom. Last year, in Pakistan, around 35,000 cases of child kidnapping were reported. Kidnappings can result in the loss of an innocent life as well. If parents couldn’t afford to pay the required money, these criminals, at times, kill the hostage. Time after time abandoned dead bodies are found at different locations. The number of such incidents is rapidly increasing.

In addition, children who are rescued and recovered suffer from psychological problems for a long time. Children are the future of our country and it is necessary that all sectors work together to protect them. Different steps must be adopted to save children from this menace. First, teachers and parents should teach their children how to protect themselves from strangers. Schools and colleges should also give self-defence education to children so that they could learn how to save themselves from such untoward situation. The media should raise awareness among the people with regard to the cause and effect of abductions. The police have to be very active regarding this issue and the government has to make strict laws to tackle this crime.

Kiran Fatima

Islamabad