August 28, 2025
Muhammad Rizwan Aajiz
On the streets, in the alleys, and inside the homes of Pakistan, there exists a silent scream. On paper it turns into mere statistics, but in reality, it crushes innocent lives. Children who were meant to become the future of the nation are losing their innocence under the horrific shadow of sexual violence. These incidents are not only a sign of deep social decay but also a glaring admission of the helplessness of our state institutions.
The numbers paint a chilling picture. Between 2018 and 2023, over 22,000 cases were reported. In 2022 alone, 4,253 children fell victim to predators—an average of 12 children every single day losing their smiles, trust, and future. In 2023, the number rose to 4,850, while in 2024, 4,700 cases were recorded. Shockingly, in just the first six months of 2025 (January–June), 2,130 incidents have already been reported, with 103 children losing their lives. These figures expose a brutal reality: this crime is continuously on the rise, and our society has failed miserably to stop it.
An even graver dimension is that these crimes are not confined to open environments; they occur even in places assumed to be the safest. Careful assessments suggest that nearly 10–15% of reported cases take place within religious seminaries (madrasas). The rest happen mostly at home, at the hands of close relatives, acquaintances, or neighbors. This proves that the menace is not limited to one institution but is spreading like poison throughout society.
When we turn to state responses, the picture is bleak. Laws such as the Zainab Alert Bill were indeed passed, but implementation remains negligible. Court cases drag on for years, police often avoid action due to bribery or pressure, and victims’ families are silenced rather than supported. Parents and children, fearing social stigma, hesitate to seek justice, leaving perpetrators free to roam. This apathy not only emboldens criminals but leaves every child in the country vulnerable.
This moment is a mirror held up to us all. On one hand, religious institutions desperately require transparent oversight and reforms. On the other hand, families need stronger systems of supervision and moral upbringing. The media, instead of sensational headlines, must lead a collective awareness campaign—so that parents, teachers, and institutions together can ensure the safety of the innocent.
And the final, haunting question remains: Will we keep pushing our generations into this abyss, or will the state, society, and institutions unite against this monster? If we still keep our eyes shut, these wounds will forever scar the fabric of our history, and future generations will never forgive us.