Seven people have been arrested in Pakistan on suspicion of involvement in child sexual abuse and extortion.
The chief minister of Punjab province, Shahbaz Sharif, ordered a judicial inquiry into reports that hundreds of children had been abused over a period of several years.
Local media say a gang made videos showing the abuse of children, whose parents were then subject to blackmail.
The scandal centres on a village near the city of Kasur.
Reports say about 280 children, mostly under 14-years-old, were abused and filmed, in the village of Husain Khan Wala.
Correspondents say many victims are afraid to report abuse, in a society which allows abusers to brag about their exploits but stigmatises their victims.
Police say more arrests are expected.
