What is really riling up critics is the fact that Pakistan already has strong laws on the books regarding child protection, but we refuse to fully implement or enforce them. The Zainab Alert Act, the Juvenile Justice System Act and provincial child protection policies all exist on paper, but their implementation remains fragmented and reactive. The Islamabad High Court recently noted that key provisions of the Zainab Alert Act remain lifeless due to shoddy implementation. The crisis demands an overhaul of the criminal justice system, with specialised child protection units, fast-track courts and mandatory child safety education in schools. Law enforcement must be trained to handle cases with sensitivity, and survivors must receive psychological and legal support.