On the streets of Pakistan, within the confines of its homes, and in the shadows of its institutions, a cry for help goes unheard. It doesn’t make headlines as it should, and it doesn’t spark the outrage it deserves. Yet, it affects the very core of our society. Children—the future of Pakistan—are being robbed of their innocence and subjected to the unimaginable horrors of sexual violence. What is even more disturbing is the complete failure of state institutions to protect these vulnerable lives.
The statistics are both shocking and heartbreaking. Between 2018 and 2023, over 22,000 cases of child sexual abuse were reported. In 2022 alone, 4,253 children were victimized—an average of 12 every day. In 2023, the number rose to 4,850, and in 2024, 4,700 cases were recorded. And in the first six months of 2025 alone, 2,130 incidents have already been reported, with 103 children tragically losing their lives. The numbers tell a horrifying story: this issue is growing, not fading, and it continues to tear at the fabric of our society.
Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that these abuses are not only happening in public spaces, but also in places that should be sanctuaries. It’s estimated that 10–15% of the reported cases take place within religious seminaries (madrasas). The rest are occurring in the homes of children, often at the hands of relatives, neighbors, or trusted acquaintances. This underlines the deeply rooted nature of the issue and how widespread its reach is throughout society.
Despite this, the response from the state has been painfully inadequate. Laws like the Zainab Alert Bill have been passed, but their implementation remains woefully insufficient. Court cases drag on indefinitely, law enforcement officers often avoid taking action due to corruption and undue pressure, and the families of victims are left to suffer in silence. Many are too scared to seek justice, fearing societal stigma and the possibility of further victimization. This system of apathy is not just failing the victims; it’s emboldening the perpetrators, allowing them to strike again and again.
The solution to this crisis cannot lie in one institution alone. Religious seminaries need to be held accountable, with clear oversight and reforms to ensure they are not breeding grounds for such atrocities. Families, too, must be supported in creating nurturing and safe environments for children, where respect for boundaries and dignity is instilled. The media, instead of sensationalizing the issue, must lead efforts to create awareness and build a collective commitment to protect our children. Parents, teachers, and communities must work together to create a culture of safety, transparency, and responsibility.
At the heart of this crisis lies a question that we can no longer ignore: will we continue to let this tragedy unfold, or will we take a stand and unite against this monster? If we remain indifferent, the scars left by this epidemic will become permanent reminders of our failure. The generations that follow will look back at us and question why we didn’t act sooner.
It is time for a change. It is time to protect our children, to ensure they can grow up without fear, and to make sure that no more innocent lives are stolen. The responsibility lies with each of us.