Lahore – The community in Faisal Town, Lahore, is reeling from a disturbing incident where a six-year-old Christian girl was allegedly assaulted by a school security guard. The shocking event, which took place at a private educational institution in Yousafabad, has intensified demands for stricter safety measures in schools and greater protections for vulnerable children.

According to the child’s family, the young girl, a prep-class student, returned home visibly shaken on October 30. Her grandmother, Abida, discovered bloodstains on her clothing and bruises on her body while changing her clothes. When asked, the girl identified the security guard, Hassan, as the perpetrator, revealing that he had covered her mouth to silence her during the assault.

Concerned residents and the girl's parents rushed to confront the school authorities, who initially claimed that she might have been injured from a fall. However, the young girl pointed out Hassan as her assailant. A crowd gathered, and before the police arrived, the accused was detained by the residents. Police subsequently took him into custody and transferred the girl to Jinnah Hospital for a medical examination. An FIR was lodged soon after.

The incident has sparked protests from the Christian community and local residents, who blocked roads and demanded swift justice. "Why does this keep happening to our community's children?" one protester asked, expressing the collective fear and frustration.

Adding to the community's concern is the school's identity, "Asan Academy for Pre-Cadet Studies," which purports to be run by retired military personnel. This has prompted calls for an investigation by the Chief of Army Staff to verify the school’s affiliations and ensure accountability.

Punjab's Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Sonia Asher and Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora visited the victim's family, vowing to ensure transparency and justice. "As a mother, I share your pain, and we will make sure this investigation is fair," Asher stated, noting that the Chief Minister is committed to protecting children's safety.

This incident comes amidst a troubling increase in reported cases of child abuse across Pakistan, with similar incidents in Gujranwala, Lahore, and Haripur. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger preventive measures, legislative reforms, and community vigilance to safeguard children and provide justice for victims.

The cries for justice resonate beyond this single case, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to protect Pakistan's most vulnerable citizens.