MUZAFFARGARH: A suspect was arrested in another child pornography case in Punjab’s Muzaffargarh, police said on Friday.
This comes just weeks after the government dismantled an international child exploitation network operating out of a so-called gaming club in the region.
The latest case involves the sexual abuse and filming of several children in Sardarabad village, according to police. The abuse was uncovered when one of the victims reported the incident to authorities, revealing that the suspect had been blackmailing the children using the compromised videos.
An FIR was filed at Saddar police station under sections 292 and 355 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which cover the sale and distribution of obscene material and assault with the intent to dishonour.
The case specifically involves a boy who was sexually abused and filmed by his older brother’s former employer, when he went to collect his brother’s pending wages. The older brother had worked as an animal caretaker for the suspect.
The police have arrested the suspect, and further legal actions are underway to assist the victims.
Despite strict laws in Pakistan, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2016, and the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020, child sexual abuse remains an ongoing issue. Last year, over 3,300 child abuse cases were reported across Pakistan, highlighting the persistent need for stricter enforcement and awareness.
In related news, police in Muzaffargarh arrested five individuals in April for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a child.
