In response to a concerning rise in child abduction cases in Karachi, the local police have issued new safety guidelines for schools and seminaries aimed at enhancing the protection of children.
The advisory recommends that children should only be allowed to leave school with their parents or legal guardians, urging parents to avoid sending their children unaccompanied and emphasizing the importance of supervised travel.
The new measures come after a disturbing abduction attempt in Korangi’s Bhitai Colony. The attempt to abduct a young girl was thwarted when the child and a woman accompanying her raised the alarm, causing the would-be kidnappers to flee. CCTV footage from the scene shows two men on a motorcycle approaching the girl and the woman. One of the men attempts to grab the child, but she resists and screams for help, prompting the woman to also call for assistance. The suspects quickly fled the scene when their abduction plan failed.
Reports indicate that the suspect threatened the girl, saying he would harm her if she did not cooperate. Following the incident, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Korangi confirmed that an investigation is underway based on the family’s statement, and legal actions are being taken to track down the suspects.
The recent attempt has brought attention to several unresolved child abduction cases in the city, sparking concerns about law enforcement’s effectiveness. One of the most notable cases is that of Sarim, a minor who was kidnapped and later found dead after going missing from his apartment in New Karachi. Despite efforts, the police have not been able to identify the culprit. Additionally, the case of two young children, Aaliyan (5) and Ali (6), who were abducted in the Garden West area, remains unsolved. CCTV footage shows the children with a man and woman on a motorcycle, appearing semi-conscious, but authorities have not yet located the suspects or the missing children.
These incidents have raised alarm among parents and the broader community, increasing pressure on authorities to enhance their efforts in addressing child abduction cases and ensure the safety of children in Karachi.
