CCTV made mandatory in shops to combat child abuse

FAISALABAD: Commercial outlets across Faisalabad have been told to put surveillance cameras in place within one month under a district-wide police directive linked to a rise in child sexual abuse cases.

An official order issued by City Police Officer Tanveer Hussain applies to shopkeepers, departmental stores, wholesale markets, shopping malls and other business premises in the district. Under the instruction, businesses that do not comply within the given period may face legal proceedings, including criminal cases and the sealing of their premises.

Police said the step was taken amid an increase in reported incidents involving the sexual abuse of children in Faisalabad. Official figures cited in the order show that 330 cases involving minor boys and girls were reported from January 1 to June 30, 2026.

The division-wise breakdown listed 25 cases in Lyallpur Town, 80 in Madina Town, 71 in Iqbal Division, 82 in Jaranwala Division and 72 in Sadar Division.

Case status and enforcement warning

According to police records, challans have been completed and sent to courts in 154 cases. Another 118 cases are still under investigation and their challans remain incomplete. The records also show that six cases were forwarded to courts under Section 512 of the Criminal Procedure Code with incomplete challans, while 48 cases were later dismissed.

CPO Tanveer Hussain said the CCTV requirement is meant to support efforts against child sexual abuse as well as other offences affecting public safety. He said the cameras would also help check theft, robbery and related crimes.

The police chief urged traders and other business owners to install surveillance systems without delay so they could avoid legal consequences and help improve protection for citizens and their property.