Islamabad, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Nearly 1.5 million internet-using children aged 12–17 in Pakistan experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a single year, equivalent to about one in every 16 children, according to a new UNICEF-backed study.
The findings are part of the report Disrupting Harm in Pakistan: Evidence on Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, jointly conducted by the UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti, ECPAT International and INTERPOL, with funding from Safe Online.
The study drew on a nationally representative household survey involving children aged 12–17 and their parents or caregivers, interviews with frontline and justice professionals, and an analysis of relevant laws and policies.
The documented forms of abuse included unwanted sexual images or conversations, requests for intimate images, unauthorised sharing of children’s images, threats or blackmail involving sexual content, and the use of artificial intelligence to create fake images or videos.
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside said stronger systems were needed to prevent abuse and ensure perpetrators and digital platforms are held accountable.
The report found that much of the abuse remains hidden. More than half of affected children did not tell anyone about their experiences, while none of those surveyed reported the incidents through formal channels such as helplines, social workers or police.
Community stigma, victim-blaming and a lack of trust in police were identified as major barriers to reporting and accessing support.
ECPAT International’s Andrea Varrella said girls and boys experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse at similar rates, but boys could face additional stigma linked to expectations around masculinity.
UNICEF called for coordinated action by governments, law enforcement, justice and social services, schools, families, communities and digital platforms to strengthen prevention, protection and support for children both online and offline.
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