Sherry Rehman raises alarm over child abuse crisis

• Says 1,914 cases of violence and abuse against children were reported from January to June 2026 • Urges speedy trials, strict punishment for perpetrators ISLAMABAD: PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman on Friday expressed deep concern over what she called a “serious child protection crisis” in Pakistan, citing 1,914 reported cases of violence and abuse against children between January and June 2026. “There can be no impunity for those who prey on children,” she said in a statement. “The scale of these cases is deeply disturbing. We are talking about children who should be protected by their families, communities and the state, yet are instead becoming victims of violence and abuse. This cannot be treated as a series of isolated incidents. It requires an urgent and coordinated response.

” Punjab accounts for 80pc of cases Senator Rehman noted that 80 per cent of the reported cases were from Punjab, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing child protection mechanisms. “These figures must prompt a closer examination of whether children are able to report abuse safely, whether protection institutions are adequately equipped, and whether perpetrators are being effectively brought to justice,” she said. She said the most disturbing aspect was that 43pc of the accused were known to the victims, while nearly 45pc of incidents reportedly took place inside children’s own homes. “The home is supposed to be the first line of protection for a child. When abuse takes place behind those doors, we have to ask very difficult questions about vigilance, safeguards and accountability within families and communities,” she added. According to the data cited by Ms Rehman, 57pc of cases were reported from urban areas and 43pc from rural areas. “Child abuse does not belong to…