Sherry Rehman raises alarm over child abuse crisis

• 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 June 2026.

“There can be no impunity for those who prey on children,” she said in a statement.

“The scale of these cases is deeply disturbing. We are talking about children who should be protected by their families, communities and the state, yet are instead becoming victims of violence and abuse. This cannot be treated as a series of isolated incidents. It requires an urgent and coordinated response.”

Punjab accounts for 80pc of cases

Senator Rehman noted that 80 per cent of the reported cases were from Punjab, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing child protection mechanisms.

“These figures must prompt a closer examination of whether children are able to report abuse safely, whether protection institutions are adequately equipped, and whether perpetrators are being effectively brought to justice,” she said.

She said the most disturbing aspect was that 43pc of the accused were known to the victims, while nearly 45pc of incidents reportedly took place inside children’s own homes.

“The home is supposed to be the first line of protection for a child. When abuse takes place behind those doors, we have to ask very difficult questions about vigilance, safeguards and accountability within families and communities,” she added.

According to the data cited by Ms Rehman, 57pc of cases were reported from urban areas and 43pc from rural areas.

“Child abuse does not belong to one class, one locality or one community. It is a societal problem. We have to build systems of protection that work everywhere and for every child,” she said.

The senator said the registration of 89pc of reported cases with the police was encouraging, but stressed that registration must be followed by investigation and prosecution.

“Registration is only the beginning. Every reported case must be investigated promptly, prosecuted effectively and pursued to its logical conclusion. Where guilt is established, perpetrators must face strict and exemplary punishment under the law,” she said.

‘Speedy trials’

Ms Rehman urged the higher judiciary to ensure speedy trials in cases involving serious crimes against children, warning that delays could deepen a sense of impunity and further traumatise victims.

“Justice delayed in cases of violence against children is not simply a procedural failure. It can become another form of injustice for the child,” she added.

‘Shared responsibility’

She said protecting children was a shared responsibility of the state and society, and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant.

“Parents must remain alert, but we cannot place the entire burden of protection on families. The state has a constitutional and moral responsibility to create an environment where children can live without fear of violence, exploitation or abuse,” she added. “If, as a state, we cannot guarantee our innocent children their fundamental right to safety and protection, then we must ask ourselves what kind of future we are building. Protecting that right is not optional; it is a fundamental responsibility of the state and society,” Senator Rehman concluded.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2026