Archbishop Joseph Arshad urges urgent action against child abuse in Pakistan as cases rise, highlighting the Church’s commitment to child protection.
Newsroom (10/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Bishop of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, has voiced deep concern over the growing number of child abuse cases in Pakistan, warning that the protection of children must be treated as an urgent national priority rather than solely a family responsibility.
Speaking to the pontifical news agency Fides, Archbishop Arshad stressed that the issue of child abuse remains widespread across the country and demands immediate, decisive action from both authorities and society at large.
“Child protection is crucial,” the Archbishop said, describing crimes committed against children as among the most serious violations of human dignity. He emphasized that ensuring the safety and well-being of children is essential to building a just, peaceful, and civilized society.
Alarming Rise in Child Abuse Cases
Archbishop Arshad referenced findings from Cruel Numbers, a report published by the Pakistani non-governmental organization Sahil, which monitors child abuse cases nationwide. According to the report, 2025 recorded 3,630 confirmed cases of violence against children, representing an 8 percent increase compared to previous figures.
The statistics reveal a disturbing reality: more than nine children were abused every day on average during the year. The report identified abduction and rape as the most frequently reported crimes, while girls accounted for 53 percent of victims. Children between the ages of 11 and 15 were found to be the most vulnerable group.
For Archbishop Arshad, such figures underscore the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms and greater societal awareness.
A Moral and National Responsibility
The Archbishop argued that no nation can claim to be truly just or secure while its children live in fear and uncertainty.
“Children are a sacred gift from God,” he said, insisting that they must be protected with the highest levels of moral, social, legal, and institutional responsibility.
He called on the Government of Pakistan, law enforcement agencies, child protection departments, and other relevant institutions to take immediate and transparent action against offenders. He urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay and warned against silence, negligence, or failures in enforcing the law.
His remarks reflect growing concerns among child welfare advocates that stronger accountability and enforcement measures are needed to combat abuse and protect vulnerable children.
The Church’s Response: ‘Year of Children’ in 2026
In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening child protection and promoting children’s welfare, the Catholic community of Islamabad-Rawalpindi has designated 2026 as the “Year of Children.”
According to Archbishop Arshad, the initiative represents the Church’s commitment to advancing the dignity, protection, education, formation, and holistic well-being of children.
Through its network of parishes, schools, and associations, the diocesan community plans to continue raising awareness about child safety while encouraging greater cooperation among families, educational institutions, religious communities, and local organizations.
The Archbishop said the Church intends to foster an environment where children can grow safely and develop their full potential, supported by communities that actively prioritize their protection.
A Call to Families and Society
Archbishop Arshad also appealed directly to parents, teachers, religious leaders, media organizations, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens, urging them to recognize their shared responsibility in safeguarding children.
He encouraged parents to remain vigilant, build trusting relationships with their children, listen attentively to their concerns, and educate them about personal safety.
At the same time, he challenged society to reject the culture of silence that often surrounds abuse cases. Fear, stigma, indifference, and reluctance to report suspected wrongdoing, he said, can allow abuse to continue unchecked.
“Every suspected case of abuse must be reported to the competent authorities,” he insisted.
Beyond Religious Boundaries
Concluding his appeal, Archbishop Arshad emphasized that protecting children is a cause that transcends religious, social, and cultural divisions. He called on all sectors of society to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of future generations.
“Child safety is not just a family matter, but a national moral responsibility,” he said.
The Archbishop expressed hope that Pakistan can become a society where children live free from fear, grow with dignity, and look to the future with confidence and hope. His message ended with a call for collective action, urging citizens of all faiths to join in protecting children and promoting their welfare.
As concerns over child abuse continue to grow, the Church’s declaration of the Year of Children 2026 stands as both a symbolic and practical commitment to placing the protection, education, and dignity of children at the center of public attention.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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