Pakistan documents over 17,000 cases of child sexual abuse in 2025.

Pakistan reported more than 17,000 cases of child sexual abuse during the year 2025, highlighting the scale of the issue across the country.

According to the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) data a total of 17,348 cases of child abuse and sexual crimes were registered in Pakistan between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Punjab recorded the highest number of cases, with 12,800 cases in 2025 accounting for 74 percent of the total. Sindh reported the second-highest number, with 3,187 cases, representing 18 percent. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 855 cases, accounting for 5 percent, while the Islamabad Capital Territory reported 431 cases, or 2.5 percent. Balochistan recorded 75 cases, accounting for 0.4 percent.

Overall 17,348 cases were reported across the country. More than one allegation may also be included in a single case.

According to the NCRC 65 percent of the victims were girls and 35 percent were boys. Children aged 11 to 17 years accounted for 86 percent of the total cases. Meanwhile, 2,378 cases or 13 percent, involved children aged 10 years or younger.

The largest category comprised cases involving abduction and forcible taking away of children for forced marriage or sexual exploitation, with 8,205 cases.

This was followed by rape and sexual abuse of minors, with 5,024 cases. There were also 3,163 cases of non-penetrative sexual abuse and 2,847 cases involving sexual abuse through grooming or enticement.

A total of 281 cases involved incidents in which children were given intoxicating or narcotic substances.

Experts have pointed to a growing trend of the dark web in Pakistan where individuals produce and circulate videos involving child sexual abuse.

The NCRC has made a number of recommendations to prevent such incidents.

One recommendation is to establish District Child Protection Units in every district, with complete staffing and trained case managers.