All over the Pakistan, incidents in which hundreds of children were removed from their homes were silenced for years. But once again, child abduction has been started again in the province of Punjab especially in developed areas.
There are many families in Punjab that are still searching fir their loved ones that were deliberately kidnapped for past few days. However, it is not the first time that it is going to happen. Most of the people are linking this phenomenon with the deportation of Afghanistan from Pakistan. In past, child kidnaping cases also raised whenever authorities considered deporting Afghan refugees from the country.
Well till now, approximately one thousand children have been missing from all over Punjab with Lahore most number of children. Punjab Police are claiming the scene with domestic violence. Some kidnapped children discovered as well but in dead state after being tortured badly. According to Additional Inspector General Police Shahzada Sultan, this year 681 child kidnapping cases have been registered, and 640 children have been recovered.
One the other side Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan began hearing a suo moto case over incidents of child kidnapping reported in all over Punjab. The opposition has also raised the issue in Punjab Assembly. In the previous six months, 312 kids from Lahore alone and 652 youngsters from all of Punjab have disappeared. As per official and also informal reports, Lahore drives the rundown for the reported child kidnappings.
Ways for Protecting Children from Stranger Abduction/Kidnapping
Ways to Help Prevent Child Abduction/Kidnapping in Pakistan
Young children should:
- Never say they are alone if they answer the phone: they can offer to take a message or say their parents will phone back.
- Never answer the door if they are alone.
- Not invite anyone into the house without the permission of a parent or babysitter.
- Not go into people’s houses without letting anyone know where they are.
- Never get into anyone’s car without permission.
- Not take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
- Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
- Scream and scatter books and belongings if they are forced toward a building or car.
- Move away from a car that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver.
- Be taught their full telephone number and address.
- Be taught that it’s all right to say ‘no’ to an adult if the person wants them to do something you’ve taught them is wrong.
- Know that no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover.
- Tell you, school authorities or a police officer about anyone who exposes private parts.
- Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
- Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated from you in a store or mall.
Teens should:
- Tell you where they are at all times or leave a written or recorded message at home.
- Never hitchhike.
- Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways or alleys.
- Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed.
- Learn to recognize suspicious behavior and remember a description of the person or vehicle to give you or the police. Write the plate number in the dirt or snow if nothing else is available.
- If attacked for money, jewelry or clothing give it up rather than risk injury.
- Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up anytime, any place.
Parents should:
- Avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone that knows his/her name.
- Check all potential babysitters and older friends of your child.
- Never leave a child alone in a public place, stroller or car. Not even for a minute.
- Always accompany young children to the bathroom in a public place and advise them never to play in or around the area.
- Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities, i.e. school events, birthyda parties, etc.
- Point out safe houses or homes with the Block Parent sign where children can go if they are in trouble.
- Keep an up-to-date colour photograph of your child, a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.
