Let us change the way we talk about child sexual abuse

The entire nation has not yet been able to come to terms with the abhorrent crime against humanity that took place a few days ago in Kasur, when 7 year old Zainab Amin was abducted from her home, brutally violated and then as if that was not enough, mercilessly strangled and dumped in a heap of trash.

Since then a lot has happened; celebrities, media persons and activists have called out the government to take serious action and set a precedent, there have been riots throughout Kasur, people all over the country have come out and protested against this heinous crime, there has been a serious criticism of the police’s role in the entire situation and there has been a step towards educating the masses about child sexual abuse.

It has been reported that 12 children have been raped and killed in the Kasur area within the past 12 months.

And this is not the first time the children of Kasur have not received the justice they and their families deserve.

Civil liberty activist and lawyer, Jibran Nasir has been at the forefront of asking people to break the silence against cases of sexual abuse and pedophilia, in his tweets and on other social media platforms.  Jibran has not only called out child abusers and predators but has talked about the thousands of other little boys and girls that may not share the same fate as Zainab, but are “left for dead” every day when their families turn a blind eye to the abuse and torture they face under the guise of “family honor” and fake religious sensibilities.

https://twitter.com/MJibranNasir/status/951101237608542209

Jibran has also called out the government at a protest at the Karachi Press Club, which was held earlier today where he put forward a list of demands to ensure that every child, no matter what province they live in be free and safe of any malevolent intent. Further he proposed immediate instatement of courts in each province to specifically address cases of child sexual abuse so as to not demonize the victims and get them legal trials. However, the most important demand put forward was for the Education Ministry to reform the curriculum and make awareness regarding the issue a mandatory part of the curriculum.

https://twitter.com/MJibranNasir/status/951463130978242562

Jibran is not the only person speaking up and wanting to take action regarding the issue; well known human rights activist and lawyer Hassan Niazi has also been active in taking up Zainab’s case till her rapist and murderer is punished to the full extent of the law. Known for his contribution and support for Khadija Siddiqi’s case, Hassan is no stranger to the struggles of the legal system and in one tweet has given us all hope that little Zainab and her family will also be given justice;



Karachi based NGO, Fixit, that is dedicated to highlighting and fixing the social, civic and political issues of Pakistan have arranged a Grand Protest tomorrow in Sukkur against child abuse at 4:30PM and are also demanding justice for Zainab;

The nation is coming together and many have vowed to keep protesting till the government and authorities take serious action against the perpetrators and provide protection to victims of sexual abuse.

Let us make a vow to support those who are brave enough to step forward and not be silenced by fear of taboo.

Let us change the way we talk about all cases of sexual abuse and rape.

Let us start by fighting for Zainab.