A horrifying crime

HOW many more innocent children must become victims before we ask ourselves a painful question: why are we failing to protect those who are most vulnerable among us? Any crime committed against a child is a deeply disturbing reminder of how far society still has to go to ensure their safety, dignity and protection. The brutal rape and murder of three-year-old Kulsoom in Karachi has shaken the conscience of the nation. According to reports, the child disappeared while playing near her home and was later found dead in a gunny bag outside her own doorstep. The details emerging from the investigation are deeply disturbing and difficult to comprehend. No words can adequately capture the grief of the family. This case demands more than routine statements and assurances. The Chief Minister of Sindh should personally take notice and closely monitor the investigation until those responsible are identified and brought to justice. The crime is so heinous that the perpetrators have forfeited any claim to humanity. They must be traced without delay, prosecuted and awarded exemplary punishment. At the same time, justice after the fact is not enough. The state bears the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of children through effective policing, stronger child protection mechanisms, community surveillance and swift prosecution of offenders. Yet society too must play its part. Parents, neighbours, schools local communities must remain vigilant and work together to create safer environments for children. Every child deserves to grow up without fear. Kulsoom’s tragic death should not become another statistic that fades from public memory. It must serve as a wake-up call for both the state and society to ensure that our children are protected, cherished and kept safe from those who seek to harm them.