Probe into Pakistan child pornography racket gets underway

A joint investigation team (JIT) on Thursday started a probe into a massive child pornography racket in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said.

Initial investigation into the scandal, termed the biggest in the country's history, revealed that around 400 videos were made of 280 victims over the last 10 years by an organised gang of over 25 criminals in Kasur district's Ganda Singh Wala area, Geo News reported.

The five-member JIT was formed on Tuesday to investigate the case and present its report to the Lahore High Court within two weeks.

The JIT has set up its office at the Kasur civil resthouse, where arrangements have been made for the JIT members to meet complainants and the affected families.

A separate desk has been set up for the Kasur district police where complainants, volunteers, witnesses and other villagers can record their complaints and concerns. The district police personnel will record the complaints and forward them to the JIT.

"We have made complete arrangements on the orders of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. We have also made a corner for the press so that they are regularly informed of the progress in the investigation," a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, police registered another case on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases against the child abusers to eight.

The case was registered at the Ganda Singh Wala police station with evidence provided in the form of video clips.

The complaints have been registered by the police themselves due to the fear among the residents and to protect the families of the victims.