Islamabad, March 17: Child abuse cases in Pakistan saw an eight percent increase in 2025, reaching 3,630 incidents, according to local media, citing figures from a report released by the child protection organization, Sahil.
According to the report, on average, over nine children were subjected to abuse in Pakistan daily throughout last year. The data collected by Sahil revealed a rising trend in cases of child abuse, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and protection of children in the country, as reported by Pakistan Today.
In addition to the overall increase in child abuse cases, the report also highlighted the increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) incidents in Pakistan. According to the report, GBV cases increased by 34 percent in 2025, underscoring the need for measures to address violence against children and vulnerable groups.
Sahil has consistently monitored and reported on child abuse cases in Pakistan, providing insights for lawmakers and stakeholders working to protect the rights of children, as reported by Pakistan Today. The latest statistics highlight the need for increased efforts to ensure the well-being and security of children in Pakistan.
In February, a leading minority rights group highlighted a deeply disturbing reality in Pakistan's Punjab province, where hundreds of children have been sexually abused, noting that justice remains elusive despite registered cases and identified suspects.
According to Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), official statistics from 2025 revealed a shocking picture with 663 cases of sexual abuse registered across 45 police stations in the Faisalabad district of Punjab, involving nearly 989 suspects.
"However, despite the scale of the crisis, one fact stands out: not a single accused in the cases registered during 2025 has been convicted so far. This is not just a legal failure; it is a moral and social tragedy," the rights body stated.
The VOPM further noted that the disturbing trend persisted in January, with 57 cases of child sexual abuse reported and 76 suspects implicated, while 23 cases are still under investigation.
Asserting that Pakistani authorities are struggling to respond effectively, the rights body stated that the absence of convictions highlights serious structural flaws within Pakistan's justice system.
"Weak investigations, poor evidence collection, delayed or incomplete challans, and court backlogs continue to undermine prosecution efforts. At the same time, survivors often receive little protection or psychological support, while accountability for negligence remains limited," the VOPM mentioned.
"When cases are mishandled, offenders stay free, and victims lose hope. Behind the figure of "663 cases" are real children, terrified families, and survivors waiting endlessly for justice. Delayed justice becomes another form of cruelty," it emphasised.