Sherry Rehman raises alarm over child abuse crisis

Senators Sherry Rehman expressed deep concern over a “serious child protection crisis” in Pakistan, citing 1,914 reported cases of violence and abuse against children from January to June 2026. She urged for swift trials and strict punishment for perpetrators.

Senator Rehman noted that 80 percent of these cases originated from Punjab, raising questions about the effectiveness of child protection mechanisms. The most disturbing aspect, she said, was that 43 percent of the accused were known to the victims, and nearly 45 percent of incidents reportedly took place within children’s own homes.

According to the data, 57 percent of cases were reported from urban areas and 43 percent from rural areas. Child abuse, Senator Rehman emphasized, is a societal problem and not limited to a specific class, locality, or community. She called for building protection systems that work for every child.

The senator praised the registration of 89 percent of reported cases with the police, but stressed that registration should be followed by prompt investigation and prosecution. She urged the judiciary to ensure speedy trials to prevent a sense of impunity and further trauma for victims.

Senator Rehman emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility between the state and society. She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, but stressed the need for the state to guarantee children's safety and protection. "If we cannot ensure our innocent children's fundamental right to safety, we must question the future we are building," she concluded.