
Kidnapping, abuse top child crime report
The report, based on data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) law from Islamabad Police, examines eight categories of offences child trafficking, child marriage, child labour, physical abuse, sexual abuse, kidnapping/abduction, murder/homicide and child pornography.
According to the findings, kidnapping was the most reported crime in 2024 with 68 cases, followed by 48 cases of sexual abuse. While police submitted 10 challans in kidnapping cases and 44 in sexual abuse cases, convictions remain rare. The majority of cases are still under trial or under investigation.
Similar patterns emerged across other indicators, 14 cases of physical abuse, six of child marriage, and two each of child trafficking, murder/homicide and child pornography where legal proceedings have yet to conclude in most instances. A notable number of cases were also withdrawn, pointing to persistent gaps in investigation quality, evidence collection and victim/witness protection.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said the low rate of convictions despite multiple challans underscores the deep challenges in delivering justice. "Without urgent reforms in investigation, prosecution and victim support, crimes against children will continue without accountability," he said.
The report recommends establishing specialised investigation units, fast-track courts and comprehensive victim and witness protection programmes to strengthen justice delivery and improve outcomes for child victims.
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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Kidnapping, abuse top child crime report
The Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) has released its latest report, 'Mapping Violence Against Children in Islamabad 2024', which exposes alarming figures and systemic gaps in the criminal justice process for offences against children. The report, based on data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) law from Islamabad Police, examines eight categories of offences child trafficking, child marriage, child labour, physical abuse, sexual abuse, kidnapping/abduction, murder/homicide and child pornography. According to the findings, kidnapping was the most reported crime in 2024 with 68 cases, followed by 48 cases of sexual abuse. While police submitted 10 challans in kidnapping cases and 44 in sexual abuse cases, convictions remain rare. The majority of cases are still under trial or under investigation. Similar patterns emerged across other indicators, 14 cases of physical abuse, six of child marriage, and two each of child trafficking, murder/homicide and child pornography where legal proceedings have yet to conclude in most instances. A notable number of cases were also withdrawn, pointing to persistent gaps in investigation quality, evidence collection and victim/witness protection. SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said the low rate of convictions despite multiple challans underscores the deep challenges in delivering justice. "Without urgent reforms in investigation, prosecution and victim support, crimes against children will continue without accountability," he said. The report recommends establishing specialised investigation units, fast-track courts and comprehensive victim and witness protection programmes to strengthen justice delivery and improve outcomes for child victims.


Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Rising child crime rate, convictions lack
Listen to article A total of 68 cases of child abduction and 48 cases of sexual abuse were reported in the federal capital, among eight documented categories of crimes against children, including trafficking, child marriage, child labour, physical abuse, murder, and child pornography, based on the data from Islamabad Police under the Right to Information law. According to the latest report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), Islamabad recorded the highest number of reported crimes against children in the categories of abduction and sexual abuse, yet the conviction rate remained negligible in 2024. Despite case challans being submitted, most cases remain under investigation or trial, with very few resulting in convictions. SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said data on crimes against children should be regularly made public by police and courts under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017, to strengthen transparency and accountability. The data further shows 14 cases of physical abuse, six of child marriage, and two each of child trafficking, murder, and child pornography. The report also notes that several cases were withdrawn, reflecting serious gaps in investigation quality, evidence collection, and the protection of victims and witnesses. Abbas said that the low conviction rate highlights deep-rooted flaws in the justice system. He warned that crimes against children will persist unabated unless urgent reforms are implemented in investigation, prosecution, and victim support mechanisms. He recommended the establishment of specialised investigative units, fast-track courts, and robust victim and witness protection programmes to ensure swift and effective justice.