On August 12, 2025, a report by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) revealed that in 2024, Islamabad recorded 68 cases of child abduction and 48 incidents of sexual abuse, based on data from the Islamabad Police obtained under the Right to Information Act.
The SSDO’s figures are part of eight crime categories, which include trafficking, child marriage, labour, physical abuse, murder, and pornography. The report highlights a disturbing increase in crimes against children, with very few convictions.
The SSDO report detailed:
- 68 abductions
- 48 sexual abuse cases
- 14 physical abuse cases
- 6 child marriages
- 2 cases each of trafficking, murder, and child pornography
Despite case challans being submitted, most remain under investigation or trial, with few convictions, signalling systemic issues in evidence collection and victim protection, per Geo.tv.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas criticised the low conviction rate, stating, “It highlights deep-rooted flaws in the justice system.” He urged regular public disclosure of crime data under the 2017 Right to Access to Information Act to enhance transparency. Abbas noted that withdrawn cases reflect gaps in investigation quality and victim support, allowing crimes to persist.
Proposed Reforms
Abbas recommended:
- Specialised investigative units
- Fast-track courts
- Robust victim and witness protection programs
These reforms aim to provide swift justice and deter future crimes, addressing the urgent need for systemic improvements in Pakistan’s judicial process. The high incidence of crimes against children and the low conviction rates in Islamabad expose significant gaps in the justice system, which jeopardise child safety. Urgent reforms are essential for ensuring accountability and protecting vulnerable children.
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