Islamabad (HRNW) — A total of 1,914 cases involving child abuse and other crimes against children were reported across Pakistan from January to June 2026, including sexual exploitation, abduction, missing children, child marriages and incidents involving child pornography following sexual abuse.
According to the available figures:
- 1,015 cases of child sexual exploitation were reported.
- 558 children were reported abducted.
- 101 cases of missing children were reported.
- 49 newborn babies were reportedly abandoned by roadsides.
- 35 cases of child marriages were reported.
- 98 incidents involved alleged pornography following sexual abuse of children.
The data shows that 57% of child abuse cases were reported from urban areas, while 43% originated from rural areas.
According to the figures, in 43% of cases, the alleged perpetrators were known to the affected children, while 34% involved strangers. In 13% of cases, the status or relationship of the alleged perpetrator was not specified.
At the provincial and regional level, Punjab accounted for 80% of the reported cases, followed by Sindh with 15%. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan collectively accounted for the remaining 5%.
The figures highlight the urgent need for stronger child-protection mechanisms, effective law enforcement, public awareness and timely legal action to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This report is based on the figures and information provided. Reported cases represent allegations or reported incidents; guilt in individual cases can only be established through the relevant legal and judicial process.
