ISLAMABAD: Police have registered a case against a prayer leader accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy inside a mosque in Charsadda district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The victim bravely reported the abuse after six days of silence, fearing his family’s reaction. The FIR was lodged under the relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Child Protection Act.
The complainant revealed that the accused, who was his religious teacher, had been molesting students at the mosque. “I was afraid to tell anyone at first, but eventually I told my father and sought justice,” the FIR stated.
The suspect, originally from Mohmand district but residing in Charsadda, remains at large. Police have assured a swift arrest and justice for the victim.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Charsadda District Police Officer Suleman Zafar confirmed the incident and stated that the investigation is underway. The accused is being actively pursued, and authorities have pledged to take strict action against anyone involved in such heinous crimes.
The victim’s family has the full support of law enforcement as they seek justice.
This case highlights the broader issue of child abuse in Pakistan.
According to the civil society report Cruel Numbers 2024 by Sahil, over 3,300 cases of child abuse—including sexual abuse, abduction, and child marriage—were reported nationwide in 2024. The report indicates that on average nine children are abused daily, with girls constituting 53% of the victims and boys 47%.
National Efforts to Combat Child Exploitation
In recent actions against child exploitation, the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) busted a gang in Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district, arresting two suspects and rescuing ten children.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry reported that in the last year, 178 FIRs related to child exploitation were filed, 198 suspects arrested, and fourteen individuals sentenced to jail terms ranging from four to ten years. These measures reflect the government’s intensified efforts to protect children and bring offenders to justice.
