Structural Violence in Pakistan’s Juvenile Justice System: A Socio-Ecological Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the escalating crisis of crimes against children in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, between 2014 and 2023. Its purpose is to analyze crime trends, assess the effectiveness of the legal and judicial response, and identify systemic failures in child protection. The research employs a qualitative design, utilizing a desk review of legal documents and a purposive analysis of secondary panel data from national crime reports, police records, and NGO publications. The findings reveal a disturbing 79% national increase in reported incidents, with Southern Punjab accounting for a disproportionate share of severe violent and sexual offenses. A critical failure is identified in the justice system, which yields a mere 24% conviction rate against a 59% acquittal rate, highlighting profound deficiencies in investigation, evidence handling, and victim support. Further, the legal framework is undermined by a patchwork of conflicting definitions of a 'child' across various statutes. The study concludes with urgent recommendations for legal harmonization to adopt a uniform child definition, institutional reforms to strengthen investigative forensics and witness protection, and the establishment of specialized, child-sensitive court procedures. The implications are severe, indicating that without systemic overhaul, legal protections remain theoretical, perpetuating impunity and failing to safeguard children from violence, exploitation, and neglect.

Keywords: Child Protection Crisis, Juvenile Inefficacy, Legal Fragmentation, Crimes against Children, Southern Punjab