SSDO Report Reveals Alarming Child Violence Surge in Punjab

Pakistan's largest province, Punjab, has experienced a disturbing surge in violence against children, with a shocking 69 percent rise in reported cases in the past year. According to a recent report by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), a total of 891 children fell victim to sexual assault in Punjab in 2023. This translates to an average of 17 children being raped every week, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The data reveals a significant escalation from the previous year, with 621 cases of child sexual abuse reported in 2022. Lahore emerged as the epicenter of these heinous crimes, recording 346 cases, followed by Shaikupura and Bahawal Nagar with 76 and 61 cases, respectively.

Tragically, the province also witnessed a rise in children's murders, with 493 reported cases in 2023, equating to an average of 9 children being killed each week. Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala were among the cities with the highest number of murder cases, with 61, 32, and 26 cases, respectively.

On a slightly positive note, the number of children's abduction cases saw a marginal decrease in 2023, dropping to 2,534 cases from 2,539 in the previous year. Despite this decline, an alarming average of seven children were still being kidnapped daily, with Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujranwala being the most affected cities.

Furthermore, the report highlighted 108 cases of child trafficking reported throughout the year, underscoring the multifaceted challenges faced by children in Punjab.

The escalating rates of violence against children in Punjab demand urgent attention and concerted efforts from authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. The alarming statistics underscore the pressing need for comprehensive measures to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and harm, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding their rights and ensuring a secure environment for their growth and development.