PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has recorded a sharp rise in crimes against children, with 370 cases of sexual abuse reported in the first seven months of 2026, according to police sources.
The data shows that victims include both boys and girls from different districts across the province, including Peshawar. In nearly 10 cases, children were allegedly killed after being sexually assaulted. The recent murder of Ayat Noor in Haripur is among the cases that drew public attention. Police registered 565 suspects in connection with the child abuse cases.
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Authorities arrested 486 of them. Courts are currently hearing 324 cases. Officials estimate that about 80% of all cases remain pending judicial decisions. Sources said the violence extends beyond sexual abuse. During the same seven-month period, 66 children were killed in various incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Police named and arrested suspects in several of those cases. The report indicates that cases of child sexual abuse continue to surface regularly in different districts of the province, with an overall increase compared to previous months. Law enforcement officials said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected as police pursue the remaining suspects.
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Child rights advocates have called for stronger protective measures, faster trials, and better support systems for victims and families in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
