KARACHI, Pakistan – A non-profit organization’s report revealed that 20 children who went missing in 2023 were sexually abused and killed across the country. Roshni Helpline’s data also showed a total of 2,633 cases of missing children reported from January to December 2023. Out of these cases, 1,942 children were successfully reunited with their families.
The report stated that 33 bodies of missing children were recovered in the last year, with 20 of them being victims of sexual abuse and murder. Additionally, seven bodies were found in manholes and drains, and five children died in accidents. The report also highlighted that Sindh reported the highest number of missing children cases, with 1,543 reported cases.
Furthermore, the report disclosed that out of the total missing children, 600 were still missing at the time of the report. The gender-wise data showed that 2,140 of the reported missing children were boys, while 493 were girls. The organization expressed concern over the increasing number of children running away from home, particularly among those aged 11 to 15 years, attributing it to parents’ lack of understanding of their children’s psyche and the use of violent methods.
The report also mentioned that the rise in runaway cases among children above 10 years old was due to a communication gap between parents and children, as well as societal pressure and decisions imposed upon them. It also highlighted factors such as poverty, psychological issues within the family, neglect, and domestic abuse as reasons for children leaving their homes.
In conclusion, the report shed light on the concerning issue of missing and abused children in Pakistan, urging authorities and parents to address the root causes leading to such tragic outcomes. The data underscores the need for better understanding and support for children in vulnerable situations, as well as the importance of timely intervention to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.