1. Punjab Launches Statewide Initiative for Child Safety
The Punjab Home Department has officially launched a public awareness campaign titled ‘Safe Children, Safe Punjab’ to tackle the growing issue of child abuse. Announced on Thursday, the initiative follows the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister and is designed to educate children and communities about personal safety.
The campaign aims to proactively address the prevention of child sexual abuse by using a special animated series. The first episode focuses on teaching children the difference between ‘Good Touch’ and ‘Bad Touch’, a foundational step in empowering minors to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior.
2. Animation as a Tool for Learning and Empowerment
According to a statement from the home department, the animated series introduces characters Haya and Bahadur, who guide children in a positive and age-appropriate manner. The characters deliver a strong message: “We will not be afraid of those who touch us badly.”
The campaign highlights that educating children about appropriate and inappropriate physical behavior is essential in today’s environment. With the right tools and knowledge, children can learn to identify, reject, and report abusive behavior—a skill crucial for their long-term psychological safety.
Furthermore, the home department has requested the Education Department to include this awareness in the school curriculum, ensuring that these lessons reach children in classrooms across the province.
3. Urgent Response to Growing Abuse Cases
This awareness campaign comes at a time when child abuse statistics in Pakistan are deeply concerning. A recent civil society report revealed that 3,364 cases of child abuse were reported nationwide in 2024, with children aged 11 to 15 being the most vulnerable group. Alarmingly, more boys than girls were affected.
The Punjab government also referred to recent tragic cases—including the alleged rape and suicide of a 17-year-old girl in Muzaffargarh, and the arrest of suspects in the gang rape of a mentally-challenged minor in Lahore—as stark reminders of the urgency for preventive action.
The campaign calls on parents, teachers, and the wider community to participate actively. As the statement stressed, “It is the responsibility of the state to protect children and bring abusers to justice.” The Punjab Home Secretary has instructed the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau to lead these efforts and collaborate with educational institutions to safeguard future generations.
