Pakistan recorded a disturbing 7,608 cases of violence and sexual abuse against children in 2024, according to a new report issued by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO).
The report, based on official figures gathered through the Right to Information Act, paints a troubling picture of the country’s child protection system. On average, 21 children were subjected to abuse every day last year.
The data includes 2,954 incidents of sexual abuse, 2,437 cases of kidnapping, 683 cases of physical violence, and 586 cases related to child trafficking. In addition, 895 reports of child labour and 53 incidents of child marriage were also documented.
Despite the high number of cases, the justice system has struggled to respond effectively. The conviction rate in nearly all categories of abuse was found to be less than 1 percent. Notably, not a single conviction was recorded in any of the child marriage cases.
SSDO Executive Director Kausar Abbas stated that these numbers reflect only the cases officially reported and that the actual scale of abuse is likely much higher. “Thousands of children suffer in silence, and many families are either unaware of the legal process or too afraid to come forward,” he said.
The report also highlighted a slight improvement in reducing child labour and trafficking cases, but the overall situation remains dire. SSDO expressed concern that the lack of accountability and convictions is encouraging abusers while eroding public trust in the justice system.
The organization has called on both federal and provincial governments to prioritize child protection, strengthen legal enforcement, and ensure justice for victims through better investigation and prosecution processes.