Expressing deep concern on Friday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted the 1,914 registered cases of sexual and physical abuse against children between January and June 2026. She described the situation as a “grave child protection crisis” in Pakistan. There is no mercy for the predators who target children, she stated.
The number of such incidents is deeply alarming. We are talking about children who should have been protected by their own families, their communities, and the state itself, yet they are falling victim to sexual and physical abuse. We cannot ignore these recurring incidents of abuse across the country.”
Senator Rehman pointed out that approximately 80 percent of the registered cases originated in Punjab. This is a matter of grave concern and raises serious questions regarding the efficacy and sustainability of existing child protection programs.
“The registered cases prompt a critical examination of whether children are sufficiently informed or empowered to report abuse, and whether the institutions responsible for protection are adequately equipped to properly document and handle these cases.”
Most disturbing was the fact that 43 percent of the perpetrators were known to the victims, while nearly 45 percent of the reported incidents occurred within the victims’ own homes. She stated, “For a child, home is considered the first line of defense against all forms of harm. When such a heinous act occurs within the walls of a home, we are left with a truly harrowing feeling. It raises critical questions regarding safety, care, and accountability within families and communities.”
According to the data cited by Ms. Rehman, 57 percent of the registered cases originated in urban areas, while 43 percent were recorded in rural areas.
She remarked, “Cases of child abuse do not discriminate based on status, class, caste, creed, or specific group affiliation. This is a societal issue. We must implement an effective framework that ensures the safety of every single child in the country.”
The Senator noted, “It is encouraging that cases were registered across the country; however, it is deeply concerning that these registered cases must also be properly investigated and pursued by the police department.”
She added, “Registering a case is merely the beginning. Every reported case requires immediate scrutiny, and identifying the perpetrators is the foremost requirement.”
“Parents must remain vigilant; however, we cannot expect them to shoulder this responsibility alone. It is the constitutional and legal duty of the state to provide a safe and peaceful environment for its citizens and their children, an environment free from fear and abuse.
If, as a nation, we cannot provide a peaceful and low-violence environment for our citizens, it raises serious questions about our country’s future and the fundamental purpose of our struggle.
Establishing a safe and nurturing environment is the government’s responsibility.” Senator Rehman