Archbishop urges urgent action as child abuse cases rise in Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Archbishop Dr Joseph Arshad, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, has voiced alarm over what he described as a growing number of child sexual abuse and violence cases in Pakistan, calling it a national tragedy that demands immediate and effective action.

Speaking at an event focused on the protection of children’s rights, Archbishop Arshad said reported cases of child sexual abuse increased by eight per cent in 2025 to 3,630 incidents. He said the figure meant that, on average, more than nine children were abused each day.

He said abduction was the most frequently reported offence, followed by sodomy and rape. According to the data he cited, girls made up 53 per cent of the victims, while children aged 11 to 15 were identified as the most vulnerable group.

The archbishop also condemned recent child abuse cases reported from different parts of the country, including the alleged abduction, sexual abuse and killing of seven-year-old Muntaha Zahra in Sargodha, as well as other incidents reported in Karachi, Swat and other areas. He said such crimes against children had deeply shaken the nation and amounted to among the most serious violations of human dignity.

He urged the federal and provincial governments, law enforcement agencies, child protection departments and other relevant institutions to take immediate, transparent and strict action against those responsible for such offences. He said those involved must be brought to justice without delay, and added that weak implementation of laws, negligence and any compromise in child abuse cases were unacceptable.

Diocese names current year after children

Archbishop Arshad said the Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi had declared the current year as the Year of Children in order to advance children’s dignity, protection, education and overall well-being. He said the diocese would continue awareness efforts and encourage families, schools, parishes and local communities to work together for the safety and development of every child.

He also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders, the media, civil society and the wider public to acknowledge their shared responsibility in safeguarding children. He urged parents to stay vigilant, build trust with their children, teach them about personal safety and quickly report any suspected abuse to the relevant authorities.

The archbishop said protecting children was not only a family duty but also a national moral responsibility, and called for collective efforts to ensure that every child could live without fear, grow with dignity and look to the future with hope.