UNICEF has warned parents against allowing children unrestricted access to digital platforms and urged them to ensure effective supervision of their online activities.
According to the report, 57 per cent of affected children did not disclose their experiences to anyone, citing shame, fear of family reactions and concerns about social stigma.
The report identified social media as the platform involved in 44 per cent of reported online abuse incidents. It also found that in 85 per cent of cases described by affected children, the alleged perpetrator was someone they knew.
UNICEF identified several forms of online sexual abuse, including sending sexually explicit images and messages to children, requesting private photographs, distributing such images and using them for blackmail.
The organisation also highlighted the emerging threat of artificial intelligence being used to create fake images and videos of children.
UNICEF stressed the need to address gaps in Pakistan's legal framework, improve investigations, strengthen child protection systems and establish safe channels through which children can report abuse.