Child Abuse Sparks Outrage in Pakistan as 7-Year-Old’s Death Reveals Harrowing Truth

KARACHI: The tragic case of Mohammad Sarim, a seven-year-old boy from Karachi, has once again drawn attention to the alarming issue of child abuse in Pakistan. Sarim, who had been missing for 11 days, was found dead in an underground water tank at his apartment complex on January 18. According to a medical report, the boy was subjected to sexual violence and sustained multiple injuries before his death.

The Case Unfolds

Sarim went missing on January 7 after leaving his home to attend religious lessons at a madrassah within his apartment complex. His body, found over a week later, showed signs of 12 injuries, with the medical report indicating that the boy had endured sexual violence.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anil Haider confirmed that DNA samples from suspects had been sent for forensic testing, although no arrests had been made at the time.

Widespread Issue of Child Abuse

This heartbreaking incident sheds light on Pakistan's child abuse crisis, with nearly 10 cases reported daily, according to child protection organization Sahil. Victims, predominantly girls, often suffer abuse at the hands of trusted individuals, including family members and teachers.

The discovery of Sarim's body echoes the 2018 case of Zainab Ansari, a 7-year-old girl from Kasur, whose rape and murder sparked national protests and led to Pakistan’s first comprehensive child abuse law. The legislation imposes life imprisonment for child abuse and mandates immediate police action upon a child's disappearance.

Calls for Action

Despite stricter laws, enforcement remains a challenge. Child protection activists are calling for greater societal awareness and the implementation of preventive measures, including education about abuse.