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'Sick to my stomach,' say the Akrams on child abuse in Pakistan
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'Sick to my stomach,' say the Akrams on child abuse in Pakistan

"Every child is a blessing from God. Those who abuse these innocent gifts of life are the purest form of evil!"
Images Staff
12 Nov, 2020

From lamenting the state of Karachi beach to advocating for safety during a worldwide pandemic, Wasim Akram and Shaniera are at the forefront of highlighting the grave issues that plague Pakistani society.

This time around, the duo have taken to social media protesting the treatment of an eight-year-old repeatedly abused by his own father for not gathering enough income in the day.

Ilham, one of five siblings who is facing the brunt of child labour, is a victim of physical blows and electrocution when unable to sell the desired amount of chatai (mats) that has been asked of him.

"In my book, the lowest form of life on this planet are those who hurt and torture children," Wasim posted, visibly upset at the condition of the child.

"This video is absolutely heart wrenching to watch. The one man who was meant to protect this little boy, became only thing he feared the most. I’m sick to my stomach," the former cricketer declared.

Sharing the same distaste was his wife and activist Shaniera Akram, who was horrified at the treatment.

"Every child is a blessing from God. Those who abuse these innocent gifts of life, are the purest form of evil!" she said.

Comments

haider Nov 12, 2020 03:21pm
There is a need to for a law to protect children from parents too. Parents who drop their children at workshops, as maids in houses, madrassas or even in street unattended are guilty of criminal negligence and should be punished.
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M. Saeed Nov 12, 2020 03:28pm
It is a universal phenomena and Pakistan is not any exception. Look at the recent cases reported of school teachers and Church Priests abusing children in the West.
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Drone Nov 12, 2020 03:30pm
Overhyped couple.
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Masood Abbas Nov 12, 2020 03:30pm
Poppulatiin explosion, selfísh political elites and lack of education is the root cause of child abuse. Govt is doing nothing about passing a law against it
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 12, 2020 03:35pm
No doubt, child abuse in any shape, size, scope, design or form is unacceptable and bad. Nonetheless, is there any country in the world in which children are not abused?
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Alamgir Nov 12, 2020 04:26pm
the root cause of such despicable crimes is poverty, lack of welfare and egalitarian measures . the wealthy in power have neither experienced the problems of the commoners nor the travails of poverty. only the common people, if they have a share of power, can alleviate the problems of the poor and meet their needs.
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Chrís Dăn Nov 12, 2020 05:42pm
Rightly so.
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RationalBabu Nov 12, 2020 06:52pm
So sad but it’s a cultural problem and few, if any political or religious leaders publicly acknowledge or condemn it!
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Bashir George Nov 12, 2020 07:18pm
Sadly to know that Shaneira Akram did not even voice for ARZOO.
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Chrís Dăn Nov 12, 2020 09:37pm
@Drone actually a very rare cool couple in Pakistan.
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Chrís Dăn Nov 12, 2020 09:37pm
@Alamgir very true.
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NSG Nov 12, 2020 10:16pm
If you keep pointing fingers at others, your problems don't vanish
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Feroze Virginia USA Nov 12, 2020 10:26pm
The privileged couple should give us/IK the remedy as we have all known about the problems all our lives. Instead of talking about it why don't people establish small cells and do what they preach.
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vin Nov 13, 2020 01:06am
@M. Saeed I don't think that is legal in the west.
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AZAM AKBAR Nov 13, 2020 01:16am
The society has become sick and brutal. Alas.
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N abidai Nov 13, 2020 06:02am
Parents must take responsibility for your children, educations, skills to be proactive against is time to provide it to all communities in Pakistan! Media in news and enteriments fields needs to build on the narrative against child abuse in all forms!
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Tariq Nov 13, 2020 06:15am
Unbelievable. Thinking of 3 little daughters of this evil man.
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Ali Turi Nov 13, 2020 09:40am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad I live in Australia and here the government laws and its proper implementation has made it possible for kids to feel very safe, Pakistan has a long way to go to catch up with developed world
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Sam Nov 13, 2020 09:47am
I think it's Wasim after Imran to be be the premier. He will be much better.
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Shahid Nov 13, 2020 10:18am
Wasim and Shaniera efforts to highlight our social problems are appreciated. But the main reason for increase in problems of child abuse, drugs in schools and colleges and other evils in society are weaknesses in our justice system, corruption in police and law enforcement agencies and criminal involvement of some government officials. So Wasim needs to approach the PM to catch the criminals from the top.
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RationalBabu Nov 13, 2020 06:46pm
@Sam what are his qualifications, or is just being an ex-cricketer enough?
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Zulfiqar Nov 14, 2020 03:50am
@M. Saeed this is not about east or west it’s about protecting children. What is the point of making it a us vs them argument. Wherever it happens in the world it’s wrong. We can only fix our society because we have power to do so. we cannot fix other societies. You are confusing the issue
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Zulfiqar Nov 14, 2020 03:57am
Mr and Mrs Akram can make a big difference by voicing their opinions on social issues. Their efforts are admirable and inspiring. This will go a long way in changing attitudes in Pakistani society. I suggest setting up a Wasim And Shaniera Center for social causes with a sole aim of social activism. They are already using their celebrity status for good, might as well give it a physical presence.
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