ISLAMABAD: An alarming number of 276 cases of violence against children were reported in the federal capital during the first half of 2025.

The statistics were unveiled in the Sustainable Social Development Organisation’s (SSDO) Factsheet on Violence Against Children (VAC) in Islamabad, covering the period from January to June 2025.

The data, obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the Islamabad police, paints a deeply concerning picture of the state of child safety and justice in the capital.

According to the report, a total of 276 cases of violence against children were registered during the six-month period. The majority — 167 cases — involved child kidnapping, followed by 81 cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Despite the gravity and number of these offences, only seven cases resulted in convictions, indicating a conviction rate of just 2.5 per cent across all categories.

The factsheet further reveals that 148 cases reached the challan (charge-sheet) stage, while 139 cases proceeded to trial. However, a staggering 97 cases were withdrawn before reaching any conclusion.

Expressing grave concern over the findings, Executive Director of SSDO Syed Kausar Abbas stated that it is extremely alarming that hundreds of cases involving child kidnapping and abuse have been reported, yet only a few have led to convictions.

“This reflects deep-rooted weaknesses within our justice system — from investigation and evidence collection to prosecution and victim support. The system’s inability to protect and deliver justice to children is unacceptable and demands urgent reform,” he said.

Mr Abbas added that the findings point toward a systemic failure that not only denies justice to victims and their families but also erodes public confidence in law enforcement and the judiciary. He called upon authorities to strengthen investigation procedures, expedite trials, and ensure effective survivor protection mechanisms to prevent case withdrawals and guarantee fair outcomes.

The report also highlights that no cases of child labour or child beggary were recorded during this period, a finding that likely indicates underreporting or data classification gaps rather than the absence of these issues.

SSDO urged law enforcement agencies to improve data accuracy and transparency to better inform public policy and child protection interventions.

SSDO emphasised the urgent need for coordinated action between police, prosecution, and judicial institutions, along with capacity building of investigators and prosecutors, to handle child-related cases with sensitivity and efficiency. The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting evidence-based advocacy, research, and policy reforms aimed at protecting Pakistan’s children from all forms of violence and exploitation.

Syed Kausar Abbas added that the protection of children must be treated as a national priority. “Every unreported, withdrawn, or unresolved case represents a child failed by the system. We must act now to build institutions that uphold justice and safeguard our future generations,” he urged.

Published in DAWN