Pakistani media have reported an alarming increase in cases involving the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of Afghan migrant children in Pakistan. Last Wednesday, a six-year-old Afghan migrant girl went missing in Sham, and her lifeless body was later discovered. Initial police investigations indicate that the child was first subjected to sexual assault and then murdered.
According to Express Tribune Pakistan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police recently reported a similar incident in the Noshahr area of Peshawar.
Another incident occurred last Tuesday in the Kharkh region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the tragic death of an eight-year-old boy.
Approximately two months ago, in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, another horrifying incident unfolded when an eight-year-old Afghan girl, while playing with other children, was sexually assaulted and subsequently killed. Pakistani law enforcement agencies have initiated investigations into these cases. Several suspects have been arrested, but in some other instances, there are still no leads. According to Express Tribune, investigations are ongoing to shed light on the perpetrators and the circumstances surrounding these brutal murders.
About these incidents, we interviewed a significant number of Afghan migrants residing in Pakistan to understand the reasons behind such heinous events. One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “Those who commit these savage acts are well aware that migrant people, destitute and homeless, have no access to any form of legal, financial, or economic support, and they will not face legal and judicial consequences for any cruel and unlawful actions against these refugees.”
They also pointed out that the desperation and vulnerabilities of Afghan migrants are exploited, and these ugly acts are perpetrated against Afghan children with impunity.
Another Afghan migrant addressed the slain Afghan girl and shared their perspective, saying, “What can we do, sister? Who do we have to turn to? Throughout history, the people of Afghanistan have never had compassionate leaders, and the current situation is a result of our treacherous and mercenary leaders who have sold Afghanistan for their gain, and now, no one in foreign lands hears our voices.”
Some other interviewees expressed different views on the factors and reasons behind these incidents. They mentioned, “Some families have personal enmities and long-standing feuds inside Afghanistan, and now, these hostilities continue here, with them seeking revenge against their children in Pakistan.”
