Islamabad:
A total of 68 cases of kidnapping children and 48 cases of sexual abuse were reported in the federal capital, among eight documented categories of crimes against children, including trafficking, child marriage, child labor, physical violence, murder and juvenile pornography, based on Islamabad police under the right to information.
According to the latest report of the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Islamabad has recorded the greatest number of crimes reported against children in the categories of abduction and sexual abuse, but the rate of conviction remained negligible in 2024.
Despite the submission of the Challans, most cases remain under investigation or trial, with very few convictions.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said data on children’s crimes should be regularly made public by police and courts under the 2017 law on the right of access to information to strengthen transparency and responsibility.
The data also shows 14 cases of physical violence, six child marriage and two in children’s trafficking, murder and juvenile pornography.
The report also notes that several cases have been withdrawn, reflecting serious shortcomings in the quality of the survey, the collection of evidence and the protection of victims and witnesses.
Abbas said that the low conviction highlights deep defects in the justice system.
He warned that crimes against children will persist tirelessly unless urgent reforms are implemented in the investigation, prosecution and victims.
He recommended the creation of specialized survey units, accelerated courts and programs to protect victims and robust witnesses to ensure rapid and efficient justice.
