{
  "id": 6851830,
  "title": "Sherry Rehman raises alarm over child abuse crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/sherry-rehman-raises-alarm-over-child-abuse-crisis-6851830",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T02:54:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2029254/sherry-rehman-raises-alarm-over-child-abuse-crisis"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Senator Sherry Rehman, Vice President of the PPP, has expressed grave concern over a \"serious child protection crisis\" in Pakistan, following the reporting of 1,914 cases of violence and abuse against children between January and June 2026. Describing the scale of these cases as \"deeply disturbing,\" Rehman emphasized that impunity cannot be tolerated for those who prey on children. The majority of these cases, 80%, originated from Punjab province, prompting questions about the effectiveness of existing child protection mechanisms. Shockingly, 43% of the accused were known to the victims, and nearly 45% of incidents took place within the children's own homes, casting doubt on the safety and vigilance within families and communities. While 57% of cases were reported from urban areas and 43% from rural areas, the data highlights that child abuse is a societal issue, requiring a comprehensive approach to protection. Rehman stressed that registration of cases with the police is a necessary first step but must be followed by prompt investigation, prosecution, and strict punishment for perpetrators. She urged the judiciary to ensure speedy trials in these cases, warning that delays could further traumatize victims and perpetuate a culture of impunity. Rehman emphasized that protecting children is a shared responsibility of the state and society, calling on parents and guardians to remain vigilant while acknowledging the state's constitutional and moral obligation to create a safe environment for children. She concluded by questioning whether Pakistan's future is built on a foundation of safety and protection for its innocent children, stating that ensuring this right is not optional but a fundamental responsibility.",
  "summary": "• Says 1,914 cases of violence and abuse against children were reported from January to June 2026 • Urges speedy trials, strict punishment for perpetrators ISLAMABAD: PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman on Friday expressed deep concern over what she called a “serious child protection crisis” in Pakistan, citing 1,914 reported cases of violence and abuse against children between January and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Sherry Rehman raises alarm over child abuse crisis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/sherry-rehman-raises-alarm-over-child-abuse-crisis",
        "published": "2026-09-12T02:54:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}