May 6, 2025
By Xari Jalil
ISLAMABAD
A new report reveals that child abuse cases in Pakistan have decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, but the numbers remain alarmingly high. According to “Cruel Numbers 2024,” a publication by Sahil, a non-governmental organization, 3,364 cases of child abuse were reported in newspapers across Pakistan in 2024. This includes cases of child sexual abuse (CSA), abduction, missing children, and child marriages.
The report indicates that approximately 9 children were abused every day in 2024. Girls accounted for 53% of the victims, while boys made up 47%. The most vulnerable age group for abuse was 11-15 years, but children as young as 0-5 years were also among the victims. In cases of child sexual abuse, the victims were equally divided between genders.
The report also highlighted that in the majority of cases, the abusers were known to the victims. Acquaintances were the most frequently reported abusers, followed by strangers and, concerningly, religious and school teachers.
The majority of abuse cases (87%) occurred in closed spaces, such as the abuser’s or victim’s home. Disturbingly, 2% of cases took place in educational institutions, raising serious concerns about the safety of children in places considered secure.
The province of Punjab reported the highest number of cases (78%), followed by Sindh (12%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad Capital Territory (4% each), and Baluchistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan (2% combined). However, the report also notes a positive sign: 93% of the reported cases were registered with the police, indicating increased reporting.
The report further breaks down the types of cases:
- There were 1,828 cases of child sexual abuse.
- 1,204 cases of abduction.
- 241 cases of missing children.
- 45 cases of child marriages, with girls being the victims in 43 of those cases.
- 56 cases of murder after sexual abuse
While the decrease in overall cases compared to the previous year is a positive development, Sahil emphasizes that the situation remains critical. The organization stresses the need for continued awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of laws, and a more proactive approach to child protection to eliminate this issue in Pakistan.