Taliban exploitation of young boys for sex is common in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Central Asia Online has learnt through interviews with analysts, military officers, clerics and a former militant.
I have personally done investigative reporting when they were allegedly taking away young boys from schools for sexual pleasure," Peshawar-based analyst and author Aqeel Yusufzai told Central Asia Online in early August. "I've confirmed reports of militants – both in Pakistan and Afghanistan – exploiting young boys."
The militants routinely visit schools in border towns to "select good-looking teenaged boys" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Aqeel said. The district education officer reported the matter to the provincial government, then run by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) (۲۰۰۲-۲۰۰۷), but the problem apparently continued.
A secret perpetuated by fear
A former militant commander-turned-fruit seller in Pakistan confirmed the abuse but told Central Asia Online that the majority of cases go unreported because of "cultural taboos."
"Due to social fear, [the victim] keeps it secret … because in our society, the victim boy is always accused of the act," said the former commander, who identified himself only as Mohmand. "It doesn't matter whether he is forced or if he consented. … Once used, he is then vulnerable to blackmailing and exploitation by others – including commanders or colleagues – for their pleasure."
Some of the abusing commanders would often "proudly share" the act and encourage their peers and colleagues also to "use" the victim, he said.
Senior leadership inside the Taliban has done "nothing" to stop the abuse, he added, saying that "they [senior commanders] understand militants are living a tough life away from families and homes." If reported, "the issue is resolved by just reprimanding the perpetrators."
(central asia online )
I have personally done investigative reporting when they were allegedly taking away young boys from schools for sexual pleasure," Peshawar-based analyst and author Aqeel Yusufzai told Central Asia Online in early August. "I've confirmed reports of militants – both in Pakistan and Afghanistan – exploiting young boys."
The militants routinely visit schools in border towns to "select good-looking teenaged boys" in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Aqeel said. The district education officer reported the matter to the provincial government, then run by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) (۲۰۰۲-۲۰۰۷), but the problem apparently continued.
A secret perpetuated by fear
A former militant commander-turned-fruit seller in Pakistan confirmed the abuse but told Central Asia Online that the majority of cases go unreported because of "cultural taboos."
"Due to social fear, [the victim] keeps it secret … because in our society, the victim boy is always accused of the act," said the former commander, who identified himself only as Mohmand. "It doesn't matter whether he is forced or if he consented. … Once used, he is then vulnerable to blackmailing and exploitation by others – including commanders or colleagues – for their pleasure."
Some of the abusing commanders would often "proudly share" the act and encourage their peers and colleagues also to "use" the victim, he said.
Senior leadership inside the Taliban has done "nothing" to stop the abuse, he added, saying that "they [senior commanders] understand militants are living a tough life away from families and homes." If reported, "the issue is resolved by just reprimanding the perpetrators."
(central asia online )
Source : Afghn Voice Agency(AVA)
