ISLAMABAD: While there are less than 500 clinical psychologists and approximately 270 to 400 psychiatrists for a population exceeding 240 million, violence by parents against children in Pakistan is becoming a widespread issue with reports indicating it is often treated as a private family matter rather than a social crisis.

Though the government has passed progressive laws in recent and preceding years, there is an increasing need to address the deeplyintertwined societalandmentalhealth needs in the country. This was stated by Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (Sparc) in a statement. Data, collected through secondary research, shows that the country is witnessing tragic cases of murders by family members, including parents.

`During June 2025, a father with a history of torturing his children beat his 18-month-old daughter to death at Chaklala, Rawalpindi. Medical reports revealed severe torture. Through the same month, a man blamed his wife of poisoning three children to death in Rawalpindi.

Another case was registered against parents on torturing a minor girl in Dhamial, Rawalpindi where police intervened upon receiving a call by neighbours,` it stated.

`August saw the arrest of a mother killing her two children with a knife in Karachi`s Defence area. In Khewra town, Pind Dadan Khan, two children were strangled to death in October with police detaining both parents.

In December, a father poisoned his three children in Abbottabad.

More recently, children found dead with slit throats in Lahore shook the whole country.

These reported cases are only the tip of an iceberg whereas situation can be more precarious in areas with under-reporting of suchcases,` it stated.

`Driven by factors such as poverty, mental health struggles, domestic disputes, including divorce, re-marriage jealousies, broken families and deep-seated cultural issues such as son preference, these children paid the price, lamented Asiya Arif, Sparc`s Executive Director.

Clinical psychologist Tuba Zafar highlighted the shortage of mental health professionals in the country with reportedly less than 500 clinical psychologists and approximately 270 to 400 psychiatrists for a population exceeding 240 million people.

`SPARC believes the deeply concerning reality demands urgent attention to parents` emotional well-being and more pro-active efforts on part of both government and the society. In the past, the dangers threatening children were often perceived as existing outside the home; today, we are increasingly witnessing how unresolved trauma, severe emotional distress, violence and ongoing family conflicts within the home can place children at a serious risk. When parents are overwhelmed, unsupported, or struggling with untreated mental health challenges, the impact on children can be profound and devastating.

Prioritising mental health support for parents is therefore not only critical for adult wellbeing, but essential for protecting children and fostering safer, healthier family environments,` she said.

Sparc called for enhanced mental health and child protection reforms. A proactive social protection services would mean families in crisis can be reached in time.

Community in general and society in particular has a role to play when violence against children is already rising, it added.

Staff Reporter