A disturbing claim has emerged that markets for underage boys are being held in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Bannu, where they are allegedly bought and sold for sexual exploitation.
The allegation was made by social activist Hayat Parighal, who has launched a campaign against what he described as a shameful social practice carried out under the guise of culture.
Speaking openly about the issue, the activist claimed that in many parts of the province organised “markets” are held where young boys are presented to buyers and later sold for large sums of money. He alleged that these activities are continuing even during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to him, such a market operates in Bannu Township where boys are allegedly displayed before potential buyers, who inspect them and make purchases. He claimed that groups involved in the trade can sell a single boy for hundreds of thousands of rupees.
Parighal said he has shared several videos on his Facebook account that appear to show boys wearing make-up being presented in these gatherings for alleged sale.
He further claimed that reports have been received about similar activities in Bannu Township where underage boys are allegedly presented to buyers and later taken to different locations or even abroad. According to him, the issue is not limited to a single city, as complaints about similar incidents have also emerged from other areas.
The activist alleged that such markets are also held in several other regions, including Zhob, Swabi, Dera Ismail Khan, Karak, and Lakki Marwat, where boys are allegedly bought and sold openly.
He claimed that people from areas stretching from Zhob to Swabi have been sending him videos related to the practice. According to him, similar gatherings reportedly take place near a canal in Swabi, in Silyaza in Zhob, at a pump on Bhakkar Road in Dera Ismail Khan, and at a location known as “Chokra Pul” in Khyber District, where groups allegedly arrive to make purchases.
He also alleged that such markets operate at three locations in Karak and that the practice has become common in Lakki Marwat.
Parighal said the situation has worsened to the point that in some areas women have reportedly approached the police, asking them either to persuade their husbands to grant them divorce or to force them to abandon the boys they keep.
According to the complaints, some husbands are said to spend their money on these boys rather than supporting their families.
Describing the issue as a serious social problem, the activist said the situation is alarming for society as a whole. He urged scholars, social organisations, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action instead of remaining silent so that the practice can be brought to an end.
