CCTV Leak Exposes Child Assault at Autism Centre in Karachi

CCTV footage has exposed a shocking incident of child assault inside the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Autism Care and Rehabilitation Organization (ACRO) in Karachi. The video, which quickly went viral on social media, showed assistant Safia Naz striking and pulling the ears of a young autistic boy during class. The disturbing images sparked public outrage and forced ACRO to dismiss her immediately. The keyword “child assault” now dominates conversations around the centre’s reputation and safety measures.

Shocking Incident Caught on Camera

The assault took place on September 26 inside a classroom at ACRO, which cares for around 130 children with autism. The leaked footage revealed Naz hitting a boy believed to be between 10 and 12 years old. Other children sat and watched in silence as the violent act unfolded before them.

The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing criticism from parents, child rights activists, and the general public. Many expressed concern about the safety of vulnerable children in institutions meant to provide care and rehabilitation.

Swift Action by ACRO

ACRO spokesperson Sardar Nadeem confirmed that the assistant was fired immediately after an internal inquiry. According to him, the organization acted as soon as the video surfaced, ensuring that Naz would not remain in contact with any child at the centre.

Nadeem explained that while Naz had been working at ACRO for eight years without prior complaints, the footage left no doubt about the severity of her misconduct. The organization also shared the video with parents of enrolled children to maintain transparency.

Assistant’s Defense and Past Record

In her defense, Naz reportedly told colleagues that the child had bitten her hand. She claimed her reaction was triggered by pain, especially since she had been struggling with a back problem.

Despite her explanation, ACRO did not excuse the assault. The centre emphasized that professional caregivers must exercise patience and restraint when dealing with children, particularly those with special needs.

Parents pointed out that even a single violent outburst could deeply traumatize children who rely on structured, safe environments for growth and learning.

Parents and Media Demand Accountability

The viral video prompted outrage not only from parents but also from the media. Calls for stronger accountability in institutions serving children with disabilities gained momentum. Many parents demanded regular monitoring, stricter hiring practices, and more comprehensive staff training to prevent similar incidents.

The incident also reignited debates on the lack of regulation in rehabilitation centres across Pakistan. Advocacy groups urged the government to establish clear standards for staff behavior and introduce surprise inspections of such facilities.

Read: Mohsin Naqvi Rejects Reports of Apology to BCCI

Formal Police Complaint Filed

On October 1, ACRO filed a formal complaint with the police. Law enforcement authorities acknowledged the complaint but said a medico-legal examination of the child might be challenging due to the four-day delay. Unless severe injuries were present, proving physical harm in court could be difficult.

Despite these hurdles, police confirmed that the case is under investigation. ACRO’s legal team is preparing to provide further details and cooperate fully with authorities.

The Role of Social Media

The case illustrates how social media can amplify issues of abuse that may otherwise remain hidden. Without the viral spread of the CCTV footage, parents and the public might never have known about the assault.

Child rights activists noted that while social media pressure can force organizations to take quick action, it also highlights gaps in preventive systems. Reliance on public exposure should not replace effective oversight within institutions.

Impact on ACRO’s Reputation

For ACRO, the incident is a severe blow to its reputation. The centre has served Karachi’s autistic community for years, offering specialized support and therapies. However, this case raised questions about whether other unreported incidents may have occurred in the past.

Parents are now demanding reassurance that their children are safe. Many have urged the centre to install stronger surveillance systems, enforce stricter supervision of staff, and provide counseling to children who witnessed the assault.

Moving Toward Safer Care

The assault at ACRO has become a wake-up call for institutions working with vulnerable children. Experts argue that staff must undergo rigorous psychological evaluations, stress management training, and regular performance reviews to ensure they can handle the challenges of caregiving.

Child psychologists also emphasize the importance of teaching non-violent methods of discipline and crisis management. For children with autism, consistency, calmness, and structured routines are essential for their emotional well-being.

A Call for Reform

The Karachi incident has opened a wider conversation about how Pakistan manages care for children with disabilities. Advocacy groups now call for new legislation to regulate private rehabilitation centres. They demand clear policies on recruitment, training, and disciplinary action against abusive staff.

While ACRO acted quickly to dismiss Safia Naz, families and activists stress that firing one employee is not enough. Sustainable reform, stronger government oversight, and consistent monitoring are necessary to protect children across all similar institutions.