LAHORE: Despite the Punjab Chief Minister’s repeated claims of considering women and children as her ‘red line,’ the reality is quite concerning. With the conviction rate for child offenders still extremely low, victims and their families are left without justice while the perpetrators are emboldened to continue their crimes.
According to Sahil, a non-governmental organisation that collects data on violence and harassment against children, in 2022, there were 4,253 reported cases of child abuse, harassment, rape, and abduction. In 2023, such incidents numbered 4,213, while in 2024, over 3,500 cases were reported.
However, according to the Sustainable Development Organization (SDO), which obtained statistics from the police through the Right to Access (RTA), 7,608 cases of child harassment, rape, abuse, and abduction were reported in 2024, with the highest number, 6,083 cases, reported in Punjab. SDO reported that from 2019 to 2023, a total of 5,398 cases were recorded.
Despite the alarming figures, during the past three years, the rate of conviction in child abuse cases has been reported to be only one per cent. These statistics highlight the flaws within Pakistan’s justice system for children, especially girls, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated legal, administrative, and social reforms.
The story of 15-year-old domestic worker Rizwana from Lahore reflects this grim situation. In July 2023, she was brutally tortured by the wife of a civil judge in Islamabad. Rizwana was later shifted to Lahore for treatment and placed under the care of the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau.
Though many of her physical wounds have healed, her emotional scars remain fresh as the perpetrators have yet to be punished. “During treatment, I have been learning to study and cook, but the delay in justice continues to affect me mentally,” shared Rizwana, who dreams of becoming a chef.
Clinical psychologist Fatima Tahir noted that delays in justice, pressure for settlement, and heavy legal fees led to severe mental stress among female child survivors, damaging their psychological well-being. Experts believe that the key reasons behind rising violence and the slow justice system include delays in filing FIRs, lack of trained investigation officers, unreliable witnesses, bribery, and lengthy court procedures.
Supreme Court lawyer Chaudhry Naseer Kamboh explained that most cases collapsed due to insufficient evidence or the absence of witnesses. “Establishing special courts for women and children’s cases, strengthening investigation processes, and making punishment outcomes public are critical in this regard,” said Kamboh.
Chairperson of the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau, Sarah Ahmed, acknowledged that poor police investigation, weak prosecution, and lengthy court proceedings posed significant challenges in the journey to justice, often forcing families to settle cases. “Faster investigations, operational special courts, and regular public awareness regarding punishments are the need of the hour,” said Ahmed.
Syed Kausar Abbas, Head of the SDO, stated that although awareness and increased reporting were contributing to the rise in cases in Punjab, the poor conviction rate still harmed public trust in institutions. “Immediate measures are needed to ensure swift justice and stronger protection for victims so that the rights of women and children can be effectively safeguarded,” implored Abbas.
News Published in Express Tribune on December 17th, 2025.
