The Muzaffargarh child pornography case has taken a disturbing turn as more explicit videos emerged and three additional victims were identified. A police spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that evidence of video sharing had also been found, prompting the transfer of the case to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The investigation began when Saddar Police arrested retired constable Ghulam Fareed Gabol, who allegedly filmed and sexually abused several children in Sardarabad village, Tehsil Muzaffargarh. Police said Gabol used indecent videos to blackmail the victims, some of which were later shared on social media.
The FIR registered under sections 292 and 355 of the Pakistan Penal Code stated that a young boy was sexually abused and filmed when he went to collect his elder brother’s pending salary. The accused, the boy’s brother’s former employer, operated a cattle farm in the village after retiring from police service four years ago.
On the complaint of Muhammad Asif, cousin of the victim, a case was lodged under the PECA Act and relevant sections of the PPC. The accused confessed during initial investigations. His four mobile phones have been sent for forensic analysis.
District Police Officer Dr Muhammad Rizwan directed DSP City to conduct further inquiries and confirmed that all evidence, including videos and mobile devices, had been handed over to the FIA.
Separately, an international child pornography ring was busted in Daira Din Panah, Kot Addu. FIA officials arrested two suspects allegedly involved in creating and selling indecent videos of children on the dark web. Dozens of videos were recovered during the raid.
Authorities say the scale of these crimes and the use of technology for exploitation have made it essential to expand the scope of investigations and bring in federal cybercrime units for further action.