.ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has witnessed a concerning rise in child sexual abuse cases, as revealed by a recent report published by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).
The report analyzes incidents reported from 2019 to 2023 across the four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. According to the SSDO report, 5,398 cases of child sexual abuse were reported over the past five years, with Punjab accounting for 62% of the total cases, amounting to 3,323.
This figure is significantly higher compared to the other provinces. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 1,360 cases, making up 25.1% of the total.
Meanwhile, Sindh recorded 458 cases (8.5%), and Balochistan reported 257 cases (5%).
The report highlights a 220% increase in reported incidents between 2019 and 2023. Punjab’s Lahore district reported the highest number of cases, with 1,176 incidents, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kolai Palas Kohistan district, with a population of only 158,000 under 18, reported 84 cases.
Experts have expressed deep concern over these alarming statistics and called for stringent measures to protect children. They emphasized the need for parents and communities to remain vigilant while urging law enforcement agencies to ensure swift justice for the victims.
These figures not only highlight a pressing national issue but also underline the urgent need for actionable steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children across the country.