Frieha Altaf, Adnan Siddiqui, Sanam Baloch join growing calls for accountability, stronger child protection measures
Pakistani celebrities have spoken out following the rape and murder of an 18-month-old child in Karachi’s Qayyumabad area, calling for swift justice, stronger child protection measures and greater awareness of the dangers children may face, particularly from relatives and household staff.
From Frieha Altaf to Adnan Siddiqui and Sanam Baloch, several public figures shared messages of grief and outrage, urging authorities to ensure accountability while highlighting the need for increased vigilance to safeguard children.
Actor and host Frieha Altaf questioned the country’s unrelenting crime rate, saying “none of this is new news.” “I’m sick to my stomach. An 18-month-old child gets raped and murdered by a relative in Qayyumabad, Karachi. A truly heinous crime committed,” she wrote. She warned that many cases of child sexual abuse involve people known to the victim.
“Sadly, parents trust friends, neighbours, domestic staff with their young sons and daughters. The biggest percentage of child sexual abuse comes from people you know and trust! As a survivor of this abuse, and the goodwill ambassador of Sahil NGO, I urge all parents to take more care with such decisions. Also, if your child tells you of any such incident or inappropriate touching, please believe them. Children don’t lie!” she added.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui also shared his reaction on Instagram.
“How depraved have we become? An 18-month-old baby. Eighteen months. The accused is reportedly just 17. That doesn’t lessen the horror; it deepens it. Feeling disgusted and heartbroken. There are no words left. Only rage, grief and shame that we have come to this.”
He concluded by praying for “swift and uncompromising justice” for the child and strength for the grieving family.
Screengrab: adnansid1/Instagram
Several other celebrities, including Aiman Khan, Mariyam Nafees, Ahsan Khan, Srha Asghar, Zhalay Sarhadi and Ayesha Omar, also shared messages expressing grief and demanding justice.
“Why are you leaving your kids alone even for a second in these horrific times!!!” Nafees wrote.
Screengrab: Instagram
“Why are you leaving your kids alone even for a second in these horrific times!!!” Nafees wrote.
Omar questioned the state of society, writing: “We are in the lowest of lows. What is this society? What is this country? What do we really stand for? We collectively need to ask ourselves that and figure out a way forward. We cannot go on like this anymore.”
Screengrab: Instagram
Actor Sanam Baloch also stressed the need for accountability and child safety.
“Justice must be served. We must demand accountability for the rapist and unwavering support for the victim and their family. Being a mother myself, I can’t even imagine the trauma that the family must be going through. Our children’s safety is paramount. #ChildSafety #JusticeForKids #HangTheRapist,” she wrote.
Screengrab: thesanambaloch/Instagram
The case has sparked widespread outrage across Pakistan, with thousands demanding swift justice for the victim and stronger safeguards to protect children from abuse.
As calls for accountability continue to grow, public figures and citizens alike are urging authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice while advocating greater awareness, vigilance and stronger child protection measures to help prevent similar tragedies.
