Shadows of Fear on Innocent Faces

Articles , Snippets , / Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

rki.news

A Call for Collective Action to Protect Our Children
Sajid ur Rehman
Recent incidents in the Mianwali district of Punjab, Pakistan, have sent shockwaves through communities, leaving parents and civil society deeply alarmed. Disturbing cases involving children ranging from sexual assault to attempted abuse serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to re-evaluate societal priorities and place child protection at the forefront.
One tragic incident occurred in the Tunder Khel area under the jurisdiction of Kalabagh Police Station, where a child was allegedly raped and murdered. In another case, in the Gulakhel area of Makarwal Police Station, there was an attempt to sexually assault a minor. In both cases, police acted swiftly by registering FIRs and arresting the suspects. Officials have pledged that justice will be served and that all legal procedures are being followed to ensure the perpetrators face appropriate punishment.
However, these are more than headlines they are wake-up calling for society. In rural and semi-urban areas, such crimes are often exacerbated by social taboos and lack of awareness, leading to underreporting or even concealment. This is where state institutions, local administrations, child protection bureaus, and community members must unite to build a safer environment for the next generation.
The crisis is compounded by Pakistan’s alarming number of out-of-school children. According to UNICEF, approximately 22.8 million children aged 5 to 16 around 44% of this age group are not in school. Even Punjab, considered relatively progressive in education, faces the harsh reality of millions of children lacking access to basic schooling. These children are at heightened risk of exploitation, forced labor, trafficking, and recruitment into criminal activities.
Children deprived of education are among the most vulnerable. Many are compelled to work in workshops, hotels, on the streets, or as domestic help, where their fundamental rights are constantly at risk. While the Punjab government has enacted child protection laws—most notably the Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, which established the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau implementing these safeguards in rural areas remains a formidable challenge due to limited awareness, cultural resistance, and, at times, institutional apathy.
To change this grim reality, the role of religious leaders, educators, and community influencers is crucial. In cities like Gujranwala and Lahore, religious scholars have delivered sermons on child safety, and public awareness walks have been organized. In Multan, a campaign titled “Play Safe, Stay Safe” engaged children in recreational activities while equipping them with the confidence and skills to respond appropriately in dangerous situations. These efforts show that child protection is a shared responsibility requiring consistent community engagement.
The media also plays a vital role in amplifying the issue. Through responsible journalism and awareness campaigns, it can shape public opinion and urge authorities into action. Government institutions must support awareness drives that educate parents and the general public about recognizing and responding to child abuse while ensuring that children are raised in safe, nurturing, and educational environments.
Despite existing laws and administrative measures, tangible results remain limited. Deep-rooted traditions, poverty, and a fragile educational infrastructure in rural Pakistan remain major barriers to securing children’s rights. Some parents are even forced—by circumstance or mindset to send their children into labor or pull them out of school, with consequences that can last a lifetime.
Protecting children is not just the government’s responsibility—it is the moral duty of every family, individual, and community. We must re-examine our behaviors, beliefs, and social practices. Our neighborhoods, mosques, schools, and homes must become sanctuaries where children feel secure, valued, and empowered.
It is time to move beyond reactive outrage toward proactive strategy. We must invest in effective legislation, preventive systems, educational reforms, and grassroots awareness campaigns that prevent harm before it occurs. Essential steps include school-based awareness sessions, promoting healthy recreational activities, setting up counseling centers, and training parents and teachers.
Coordination between district administrations, education departments, child protection agencies, law enforcement, and civil society is critical. Only through integrated and sustained efforts can we build a society that is safe, healthy, and dignified for all.
These children are not just our responsibility they are our future. If we fail to act today, we risk a tomorrow filled with regret and irreversible loss.