Criminal silence

Any talk of child abuse is taboo in Pakistan; even the most educated people hesitate to discuss it. It is this lack of discussion that encourages culprits to attack children with impunity. Hence, it is important that we raise awareness, and put an end to the practice of keeping the abuse a secret. There is nothing more brutal and shameful than the abuse, manipulation, and maltreatment of children. According to NGO Sahil, 11 cases of child abuse are reported in Pakistan every day. The entire country was shocked by the brutal rape and murder of Zainab in Kasur. The public erupted in protests and demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrator. The Supreme Court took notice of the case; the army chief too expressed grief over the matter. But did we come up with any strategy to prevent such crimes in the future?

It is time our ruling elite put its money where its mouth is. They need to learn from countries that educate children about sexual abuse and teach them how to keep themselves safe. It is imperative to make sex education and self-protection lessons a part of our national curricula. We also need to ensure that parents fulfil their responsibility of making their child aware of this crime. The police department also needs to be taught how to handle child abuse cases.

Riaz Ahmed Rustamani

Dadu