Another Case of Child Porn Emerges in South Punjab

A suspect has been arrested in a child pornography case in Muzaffargarh, Punjab, as police continue to address rising incidents of child exploitation. The arrest was confirmed on Friday, following a disturbing report of children being lured, abused, and filmed for distribution on the dark web.

Earlier this month, authorities dismantled an international child exploitation network linked to a gaming club in Muzaffargarh, where children aged six to ten were targeted. According to police, several children were sexually abused and filmed in Sardarabad village. The situation came to light when one victim reached out to law enforcement.

The suspect allegedly blackmailed the children using compromised videos. A first information report (FIR) has been filed at the Saddar police station, citing violations of sections 292 and 355 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertain to the sale and distribution of obscene material and assault with intent to dishonor, respectively.

The FIR details that a boy was abused and filmed by his older brother’s former employer while collecting pending wages. The suspect has been apprehended, and police are reaching out to the victims for further legal action.

In Pakistan, penalties for sexually abusing minors can range from seven years to life imprisonment, with severe consequences for child rape, including the death penalty. Despite existing laws, child sexual abuse remains a significant issue, with 3,364 cases reported across the country in 2024, according to the civil society report “Cruel Numbers 2024” by Sahil.

This report highlights that, on average, nine children were abused daily, with a gender breakdown showing 53% of victims were girls and 47% boys. In a related incident, five suspects were arrested in April for their involvement in the gang rape of a child in Muzaffargarh.