Last year, 2500 children were abducted and 891 were raped in Punjab
In 2023, approximately 17 children were sexually abused every week.
Lahore: According to the data provided by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in 2023, the number of incidents of violence against children in the province of Punjab remained alarmingly high, which requires the immediate attention of the concerned institutions.
According to the data, a total of 2534 cases of child abduction were reported in 2023, compared to 2539 cases of child abduction in 2022.
The 2023 report shows that an average of 7 children were abducted per day, which is an alarming figure and testifies to the fact that the situation regarding the prevention of child abduction has not improved.
In terms of the most sensitive districts in this regard, most cases were reported from Lahore (840), Sialkot (194) and Gujranwala (143).
Similarly, the number of incidents of sexual assault was also a cause for concern. A total of 891 cases were reported in the year 2023, while the number was 621 in 2022. It shows that in 2023, about 17 children were sexually abused every week.
Once again Lahore (346) was the most prominent and sensitive in terms of reported cases. After that, 76 cases were reported in Sheikhupura and 61 in Bahawalnagar. In addition, 12 cases of child pornography were also reported.
According to the report, the increasing number of child murders this year is also very alarming, with 493 cases reported in 2023, indicating that an average of 9 children were murdered across the country every week. Lahore (61), Faisalabad (32) and Gujranwala (26) were at the top in terms of various reported cases of infanticide while these cities emerged as major hotspots in terms of reported cases.
From 2022 to 2023, the incidence of child trafficking and physical abuse has almost doubled. In 2023, 157 children were subjected to physical violence, compared to 83 in 2022. Similarly, 108 cases of child trafficking were reported in 2023, compared to 49 in 2022.
Sialkot (37), Faisalabad (16) and Sheikhupura (11) are among the hotspots for reported incidents of physical violence, while Toba Tek Singh (51) and Chiniot (35) reported child trafficking. are highlighted as cases. These districts have also been included in the hotspots of child trafficking.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said that violence and sexual abuse of children is a big problem but it is good that the police in Punjab has started registering these cases, now the courts should also Give strict and speedy judgment in cases of child abuse so that the accused can be brought to justice and this crime can be stopped.
Kausar Abbas said, “Each number represents a child whose safety has been compromised. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to take decisive steps to protect their children from violence and exploitation.” . Only our joint efforts can be effective in ensuring a safe and bright future for every child.
It may be noted that the data was collected by filing a “Right to Information” application with the Punjab Police under Article 19A of the Constitution and the Punjab Transparency and Access to Information Act, 2013.
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