Child sexual abuse

We have been living in denial, covering up the sexual abuse of children, thinking that such cowardice will protect our honour. Unfortunately, it is this lack of courage and responsibility that today even our orphanages, schools, religious seminaries, cities, towns and villages are not safe for our sons, daughters, sisters and the disabled. Pedophilia and violence against victims of these shameful crimes are on the rise in Pakistan and other countries. The lack of moral and political will among those at the helm to take these crimes seriously is only encouraging these murderers and rapists.

The recent incidence involving young girls living in a state orphanage located in Lahore is a case in study. As usual, a few Punjab ministers and officials pounced on the whistle-blower as if the problem lies with the whistle-blower and not the perpetrators of these sinful and detestable crimes. Instead of a judicial Investigation, the matter was referred to an in-house CM Inspection Team, which raises doubts. The state has failed to protect its most innocent from such predators. Recently the case of a convicted sexual predator, who was jailed for such crimes in the UK, Belgium and many other countries, managing to get a high-profile job as consultant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was shocking.

Malik Tariq Ali

Lahore