Shafaqna Pakistan | by Arsal Mir- Schools, seminaries, and Mosques are meant to be safe spaces for young learners — places where children come to study, grow, and feel secure. Parents leave their children in these institutions, trusting that teachers and religious leaders will guide and protect them. Sadly, when these trusted individuals become abusers, that trust is shattered completely. Beyond betrayal, such acts are horrifying crimes that leave society in shock and outrage.
Recent incidents in Punjab highlight this disturbing issue. In Kasur, a schoolteacher was found guilty of attempting to rape an 8-year-old girl two years ago. In another tragic case, a 55-year-old prayer leader from Sargodha was convicted of raping a 7-year-old girl inside a mosque. Incidents like these deeply damage public trust and raise serious concerns about the safety of children in learning spaces. How can parents feel comfortable sending their children to school or mosque when such horrific crimes take place?
The good news is the police and courts acted smartly. In Kasur, the teacher got 14 years in jail and a Rs1.1 million fine after the prosecution proved his crime. In Sargodha, the prayer leader was caught and the police used the girl’s uncle’s complaint to lock him up. He also got 14 years and a big fine. This shows the police can do their job well when they try hard. We should praise them for chasing justice and not letting these men walk free.
The media should keep on reporting this issue as the problem is bigger. NGO Sahil report says child sexual abuse is rising. In 2023, they found 4,213 cases-11 kids hurt every day. Girls were 53pc of victims, boys 47pc. Many abusers are people kids know, like teachers or relatives. Shame! This tells us schools, mosques and families must do more to keep kids safe. Check family elders. Check teachers better. Watch them closely. When crimes happen, report it to police and get them punished. Kids deserve safe places to learn, not fear. Only we the whole nation can fix this so trust can grow again.
Source: Shafaqna Pakistan
Note: Shafaqna do not endorse the views expressed in the article