Over 2000 Children Abducted, 891 Abused in Punjab: Report

News Desk

Islamabad: At least 2,534 children were abducted or kidnapped, while 891 children fell victim to sexual abuse across various regions in Punjab during 2023, according to Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), an Islamabad-based non-governmental organization, report released on Monday. 

In 2023, statistics revealed a concerning rise in violence against children in Punjab, demanding immediate attention from relevant authorities.

Kidnapping emerged as the most prevalent crime, with 2,534 reported cases, almost matching the 2,539 cases from the previous year, indicating minimal improvement.

On average, this translated to approximately 7 children being abducted daily in 2023.

Lahore, with 840 cases, Sialkot, with 194 cases, and Gujranwala, with 143 cases, were identified as hotspot districts for such incidents.

Additionally, there was a significant increase in cases of sexual abuse, totaling 891 in 2023 compared to 621 in 2022. This equated to about 17 children being sexually abused weekly in 2023. 

Once again, Lahore with 346 stood out as a prominent hotspot, followed by Sheikhupura with 76 and Bahawalnagar with 61 cases.

At least 12 cases of child pornography were also reported during the said period.

The increasing number of  child murdered cases is another significant cause of concern where 493 cases were reported in 2023, indicating an average of 9 children murdered every week.

Lahore, with 61 cases, Faisalabad, with 32, and Gujranwala, with 26, were the major hotspots that accounted for a huge chunk of cases.

The instances of trafficking and physical abuse of children nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023. In 2023, 157 children experienced physical abuse, compared to 83 in 2022.

Similarly, 108 children were trafficked in 2023, compared to 49 in 2022. Sialkot, with 37, Faisalabad, with 16, and Sheikhupura, with 11, cases were identified as hotspots for physical violence, while Toba Tek Singh 51 and Chiniot 35 were highlighted as hotspots for trafficking.

SSDO Executive Director Kausar Abbas stated although the number of cases are high, SSDO appreciates the Punjab police for ensuring the registration of cases of violence against children.

The actual abused numbers of children can be much higher than the reported number, he added.

The Punjab police needs to spread its surveillance and engage the local community to identify the culprits of child abuse in the society.

He further said that police have improved registration of cases but the judiciary needs to play proactive roles in terms of conviction of the accused and give severe punishment through speedy trial of the cases related to children.

Kausar Abbas emphasized, “Every number represents a child whose safety has been compromised and childhood shattered. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders – authorities, communities, and individuals alike – to take decisive action to protect our children from violence and exploitation. Only through our combined efforts can we make a profound difference in ensuring a safer, brighter future for every child.”

The data was obtained through a “Right to Information” request to the Punjab Police under Article 19-A of the constitution and the Punjab Transparency & Right to Information Act 2013.