Weak cases

Editorial Published December 15, 2023

HOPE dies every day in Pakistan. In 2015, Kasur’s child sex scandal
— a child pornography ring in Hussain Khanwala district had
sexually exploited 285 minors — rocked the nation. On Wednesday
— eight years after mass repulsion, protests and an HRCP fact-
finding report, which stated that police inaction pointed towards
collusion with criminals and found the role of political parties
“very disturbing” — the Lahore High Court acquitted three convicts
serving life sentences in the child abuse case. Their counsel said
that out of six prime suspects, three had been released earlier and
the remaining have been exonerated now. He claimed that they
were not “conclusively identified” in the forensic tests of the video,
the Anti-Terrorism Act sections were not applicable and medical
reports did not corroborate the evidence. So, the moral of this
story is an old one: the victims were betrayed by police and
prosecution.

What should have happened after the horror unfolded was an immediate
review of the law-enforcement plan to prevent feeble investigation and
forensic inquiry by police. Moreover, prosecutors should have the legal
authority to ensure that probes are executed according to the requirements of
a case. And, as the agency taking the police’s case to the courts, it should
become mandatory for prosecutors to keep a record of their work for solid
cases to be presented before lower legal fora. Ravaged by corruption and
exploitation, police and prosecution, when representing the poor, either end
up aiding criminals in hoodwinking the justice system or punish the innocent.
To make matters dire, despite repeated incidents of monstrous abuse, the
system remains untouched by any reform. The question is: as the progeny of
hapless daily wagers, are Kasur’s victims easier to overlook? Children, sans
expression, authority and support to face abusers, form the most vulnerable
section of society. For this reason, provincial and federal authorities must
work harder to banish the curse of stolen innocence.

Unseen crisis
Editorial Published January 15, 2024
DISTURBING figures have been released highlighting that 2,633
children were reported missing in 2023. As per the Roshni
Helpline’s numbers, although 1,942 of these were reunited with
their families, 20 were found sexually abused and murdered.
Children had fled their homes due to familial violence,
communication gaps and societal pressures. The trend is
particularly alarming among the 11 to 15-year-old age group. The
state’s existing frameworks, such as the Zainab Alert Response and
Recovery Act 2020, while commendable, require more robust
enforcement. Civil society’s role is equally crucial. Awareness
campaigns and community engagement are essential for early
detection and prevention. The issue also calls for a societal
reevaluation of parenting. The increase in runaway cases due to
domestic issues points to a need for parental education,
community support systems, and accessible counselling. Schools
should actively participate in programmes focusing on child safety
and well-being.

The data, revealing regional variances with Sindh and Punjab reporting the
highest number of cases, necessitates region-specific strategies. Moreover,
considering that the majority of missing children are boys, targeted measures
are imperative. The fact that 99pc of missing children come from the working
class adds another layer of complexity, indicating that socio-economic factors
play a significant role in this crisis. It highlights the need for targeted
interventions in these communities, addressing issues like poverty, education,
and access to social services. Alarmingly, 658 families await their children’s
return. The state’s responsibility extends beyond legal reforms; it must also
ensure effective implementation of child protection laws. This includes
establishing a network for reporting and tracking missing children and
equipping LEAs with the necessary tools and training. Moreover, community
involvement in monitoring and reporting suspicious activities can significantly
aid in early interventions. This, coupled with increased funding and support
for organisations working on the ground, can make a substantial difference. A
combined effort of the state, civil society, and communities is imperative to
address this crisis effectively. It requires a collective awakening — a national
movement that prioritises the safety of our youngest and most vulnerable. Let
us remember that every child saved is a future preserved.