The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) warned that online sexual abuse of children represents a grave child protection concern. Underreporting, inadequate safeguards, and poor coordination between institutions prevent many of these cases from being identified.
At least 50 children were allegedly exploited through an international network in Muzaffargarh during 2025. In 2021, reports linked to suspected child sexual abuse material in Pakistan surpassed 2,000,000.
The HRCP clarified that the 2021 figures for suspected online activity do not represent the total number of individual victims. Around 1,500,000 Pakistani children aged 12 to 17 who use the internet were subjected to online sexual exploitation and abuse in a single year, according to the National Commission on the Rights of the Child in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan.
The National Commission on the Rights of the Child released a report on this matter in September. The HRCP called for enhanced cooperation between the judiciary, prosecutors, police, cybercrime investigators, and child protection authorities.
The commission stressed that affected children require rehabilitation services, psychological support, and legal assistance. Awareness campaigns alone are insufficient to solve the crisis.
The HRCP urged for greater responsibility from online platforms, stronger protection mechanisms, and institutional accountability.
