Daily Times

Sir: I would like to highlight the issue of the rising number of child kidnapping in Pakistan, which is taking place is Punjab at an especially high rate. Though the menace exists in the entire country, it is mainly Punjab where the statistics are really appalling.

As per a police report as many as 2000 children were kidnapped between 2015 and 2016 in the province. Last year alone there were more than 1,400 kidnapping cases registered in Punjab. While Pakistan has a lot of problems that need urgent solutions yet the safety our children cannot be overstressed. Talk to most the country’s residents and they will highlight the large population of youth, that they are convinced will help the country achieve greatness in the future.

Yet, we seem to be ignoring this same population, not only in the case of rising kidnappings, but also in terms of other necessary factors, like health and education. It is time that appropriate attention is paid to the children of Pakistan, so that we can ensure a bright future for all. I hope the people in charge are aware of the problem, and are formulating appropriate strategies to bring a stop to this ongoing situation.

HUZAIFA SALEEM

Karachi

Published in Daily Times, October 3^rd 2018.