Hidden In Plain Sight: The Growing Prostitution Trade In Peshawar

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) Social evils exist in every society and era, and prostitution is one such issue that persists despite the passage of time. While I had heard of prostitution in Karachi and Lahore, I was surprised to learn about its presence in Peshawar, a city known for its strict traditions. However, the prostitution trade is not only thriving but also becoming increasingly visible.

A friend from Peshawar, who has been driving a taxi for several years, revealed that the prostitution business existed in Peshawar before, but it was not as open as it is now. He mentioned that Peshawar University Road, Speen Jumat (White Mosque), Firdos, Hashtnagari, and Gulbahar Chowk are known hotspots where women solicit customers. These women approach vehicles at red signals, offering their services.

One woman, approximately 28 to 30 years old, was seen sitting on a footpath on GT Road in Hashtnagri. She wore a black abaya, with only her eyes visible, and had a basket containing bracelets, headscarves, and a bottle of kajal, suggesting she was a professional prostitute.

Also Read: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tightens Security for Muharram: 40,000 Personnel Deployed

These women often turn to prostitution due to poverty and personal circumstances. The woman mentioned above said her husband was a drug addict, forcing her into this line of work. She earns 2,000 to 3,000 rupees per day and sometimes more from specific clients. She claimed that she had never been arrested by the police, as they usually demand bribes in the form of money or physical favors.

Legal expert Tariq Afghan Advocate confirmed that the police rarely arrest such women due to the need for evidence and the prevalence of bribes. This allows the prostitution business to continue unchecked.

However, Halim Malik, spokesperson for the IG Police, denied these allegations. He stated that the IG Police has issued strict orders for officers to monitor and report all illegal activities. Legal actions are taken against known prostitution dens, often located in rented houses. The homeowners are also held accountable and are instructed to evict such tenants.

Another police officer, speaking anonymously, admitted that while identifying prostitutes is straightforward, taking action against them is challenging due to their influential backers. He noted that police intervention typically occurs only in cases of disputes over transactions or personal grievances, otherwise, the business operates without interference.

A few months ago, a woman in her mid-forties, dressed in a yellow suit and wearing glasses, was seen near a government hospital in Peshawar. She admitted to being a former prostitute and is now a supplier of girls for sex and dance parties. She frequents places where she can find potential clients, offering both girls and locations for their services.

Expert jurist Tariq Afghan Advocate highlighted the legal framework against prostitution, citing Article 37G of the Constitution, which mandates the state to prevent such activities. Under Sections 371A and 371B of the Penal Code of Pakistan, engaging in or facilitating prostitution is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and fines. Additionally, Section 496B of the Hudood Law imposes a 5-year imprisonment and a 10,000-rupee fine for illicit relationships between unmarried individuals.

Despite these laws, Tariq Afghan noted that no significant legal actions have been taken against prostitutes in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for stricter laws and better enforcement to curb the growing prostitution trade.

In summary, the prostitution business in Peshawar is thriving due to poverty, personal circumstances, and ineffective law enforcement. While legal frameworks exist to combat this issue, the lack of strict implementation and societal negligence allows it to flourish.

MENAFN16072024000189011041ID1108444280