A state failing its children

In the first half of 2026, Pakistan witnessed an alarming 1,914 cases of violence and abuse against children, according to Senator Sherry Rehman. This figure represents a daily average of nearly four reported incidents, revealing a child protection crisis that has persisted despite repeated evidence of its scale. The accused were often known to their victims, and over half of the incidents occurred within the children's homes, with most cases coming from Punjab and urban areas.

This widespread issue transcends geographical boundaries and undermines conventional notions of where protection should begin. Despite periodic outrage and government promises for action, the problem continues unabated. The registration of 89 percent of cases with police is a small step forward, but the true test lies in the subsequent actions - from competent investigations to swift trials, effective prosecutions, and adequate victim protection.

The responsibility for this failure lies with the entire state apparatus, from provincial governments to police forces, prosecutors, courts, schools, healthcare institutions, and social welfare departments. Families and communities also play a crucial role, especially in the face of known perpetrators. However, calls for increased parental vigilance cannot be used as a justification for weak state protection mechanisms.

Children, often frightened and vulnerable, struggle with reporting abuse, particularly when the perpetrator holds authority over them. As such, protection mechanisms must be tailored around the reality of a frightened child rather than the convenience of institutions receiving complaints. With years of discussion on child abuse, Pakistan now needs concrete results - fewer children abused, more victims protected, faster investigations, effective prosecutions, and punishment where guilt is established.

Anything less would render "child protection" just another empty promise from the state, waiting to be exposed by the next set of statistics.