Monstrous abuse

Published June 22, 2023

IF Nelson Mandela’s famous quote linking a society’s true character to how it treats its children is used as a yardstick, Pakistan would rank abysmally. The dark reality is that every day, countless youngsters in this country are exposed to abuse, violence and even death. The recent report of a madressah student’s torture, rape and apparent murder in Raiwind illustrates the depths of our depravity. As reported, the eight-year-old was assaulted by a teacher at a madressah as he slept. When the boy resisted, he was tortured by the suspect and later thrown from the roof of the seminary. The young victim succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. Unfortunately, in this country, even this monstrous crime is unlikely to change things much and make Pakistan safer for its children. Has anything changed after the brutal rape and murder of little Zainab Ansari in 2018? The answer, as demonstrated by the aforementioned tragedy in Raiwind, is self-evident.

According to NGO Sahil’s Cruel Numbers 2022 report, 4,253 cases of child abuse was reported last year; half of these were incidents of child sexual abuse. It should be noted that these figures are based on media reports, and the actual numbers may be far higher. Madressahs have, sadly, been known for such incidents, as cases are usually hushed up, and culprits are rarely punished. This state of denial must end for the safety of the millions of mainly poor and disadvantaged children who study in these institutions. The higher clergy, particularly, needs to speak out against these crimes clearly, and not close ranks to protect their own kind who are accused of these grotesque acts. The state also needs to show that deep down somewhere it has a heart and is not immune to the suffering of these innocent children. This can be done by bringing the perpetrators to book, and offering all possible support to survivors and victims’ families.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...