- Suspect arrested within hours; case registered under PPC 376, Child Protection Act
- CPU data shows alarming rise: 14 abuse, 9 violence, 67 begging cases in 2025
- Experts warn of deep trauma, urge counseling and family rehabilitation support
SWAT: A disturbing surge in child abuse, violence, and forced begging cases has gripped Swat, sparking alarm across the valley. In the latest incident, an eight-year-old boy was sexually assaulted inside a mosque in the Zola Dherai area of Rahimabad, triggering widespread public outrage and renewed calls for stronger child protection measures.
According to police, the suspect—identified as Jawad, son of Wahid Gul, a resident of Odigram—was arrested within hours of the crime. SHO Rahimabad Mujeeb Alam Khan said the accused took advantage of the mosque being empty, lured the child into a room, and subjected him to sexual violence at knifepoint.
The traumatized victim disclosed the ordeal to his mother after returning home, following which the family and neighbors alerted the police. Authorities swiftly apprehended the suspect and registered a case under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Child Protection Act. An investigation is under way.
The incident has provoked widespread condemnation across the district, with religious scholars, community elders, and local residents demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrator and stronger safeguards to protect children in places of worship.
Rising tide of child abuse in Swat
Fresh data from the Child Protection Unit (CPU) Swat paints a grim picture of rising crimes against children in the region. In 2025, the CPU recorded 14 cases of child sexual abuse, 9 incidents of physical violence, 8 cases of corporal punishment in schools and madrasas, and 67 cases of children forced into begging.
Officials said most incidents were reported from urban and semi-urban areas, citing poverty, family conflict, and lack of supervision as major factors. The CPU added that all affected children were provided legal assistance, psychological counseling, and rehabilitation support.
Experts warn of deep psychological scars
Child psychologist Dr. Sarah warned that the psychological toll of abuse is profound and enduring. “These wounds are invisible but deeply embedded,” she said, explaining that survivors often suffer from fear, nightmares, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
“Without counseling and family support, these children grow up battling guilt, anger, and mistrust,” she added, cautioning that unaddressed trauma can manifest as aggression, behavioral problems, or even self-destructive tendencies later in life.
Police and community response
Police spokesperson Moeen Khan said all stations in Swat have been directed to treat child abuse complaints as top priority. Special teams have been formed for swift arrests and transparent investigations, while victims are referred to the Child Protection Unit for follow-up assistance.
He added that police, in collaboration with the education and religious affairs departments, have launched awareness campaigns in schools, mosques, and community centers to educate parents and teachers about child safety, early warning signs, and reporting mechanisms.
‘A moral reckoning for society’
Sociologists and child rights activists warned that the growing frequency of such crimes in Swat—once celebrated for its peace, culture, and learning—signals an alarming moral decline. They emphasized that child protection is not just the state’s duty but a collective social responsibility requiring vigilance from families, teachers, and community leaders alike.
The Child Protection Unit SWAT urged citizens to report any signs of abuse immediately to ensure timely intervention and support.
“These incidents demand a moral reckoning,” the CPU’s latest report concluded.
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