KASUR, Pakistan (AFP) – The rape and murders of a dozen children by a suspected serial killer have terrified parents in central Pakistan, and prompted soul-searching over how the country fails to protect its most vulnerable. The killing of six-year-old Zainab Fatima Ameen became the tipping point last week when her body was found on a rubbish heap near her home in the city of Kasur.

Candlelight vigils were held across the country and the hashtag #JusticeForZainab trended on social media, with celebrities, opposition politicians and outraged web users demanding action. But grief spilled over into anger in Kasur, a city already infamous for child abuse after a massive paedophilia ring was exposed in 2015. Zainab, officials said, is the 12th child found raped and murdered in the city within a two-kilometre radius in the last two years. People attend the funeral of Zainab Fatima Ameen in Kasur. – AP The discovery of her body sparked riots in Kasur, with thousands swarming police stations and setting fire to politicians’ homes, accusing authorities of inaction. At least two demonstrators were killed after police opened fire on the crowds. Flex Sdk 3 5 0 Download Update on this page. A spokesman for the government of Punjab province – where Kasur is located – said the suspect was likely “a lunatic with psychological disorders”.