Pakistan's Hidden Shame

Pakistan is considered to be one of the most developed Eastern countries and one of the few governed by democracy. Channel 4 showed us that there is a lot more to the Pakistan story than this, delving into a hidden habit of child abuse, rape and drug addiction on the streets of many cities. Over 90% of street children are said to have been raped or sexually abused, with many of the abused boys ranging from just 7-14 yrs old. 

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The documentary is a frightening one as numerous men openly admit that they have had sex with young boys multiple times. Bus conductor Ejaz tells us of an example where a bus of about 7 grown men took turns in raping a young boy before paying him for his services. Another bus driver tells us how he rents out beds to bus drivers who drive late which is also a magnet for young children to find a bed for the night when they have nowhere else to go. He tells of how he tried to stop a man from taking a young boy and raping him before admitting to us that he too had sexually abused two young boys. 

There simply aren't words to tell of how shocked I was at how freely and openly these men admitted their crimes but it quickly became apparent that there was no feeling they would face retribution for their crime, the police simply do not have the time or care to arrest them.

We then follow the story of Naeem, 13yr old boy living on the streets of Peshawar. A boy who first sold his body when his brother beat him and told him to earn some money. He was just 8 years old. By the age of 9 he was also a drug addict and now regularly prostitutes himself to earn money to fund his heroin habit. We follow Naeem willing him to overcome his troubles but instead witness his gradual decline as he tells the camera that he too had raped a young boy. And so, the cycle starts again. It brought weight to my heart to watch, I should hate him for doing it, but can a boy who has lived surrounded by this 'norm' for almost 6yrs of his young life, be expected to know different or to feel that anyone else should be spared from the pain when he couldn't.

Imran Khan - dawn.com

It's a horrible and vicious cycle that no-one seems bothered enough by to change. Naeem is extremely brave in taking the crew to the 'best spots' for prostitution and catching men on camera trying to pay him for sex and by the end of the film we only hope that Imran Khan will stick to his word and propose change. Although it has to be said, that the film has still not seen a a local screening despite being offered free of charge.

Film-maker Mohammed Naqvi, gives an honest account about the emotional toil he suffered on completion of the film.

Now that we have completed this film, I can say unequivocally that this is by far the most emotionally trying film I have made.

I think it truly captures the life and passion of a film-maker. They care enough about the story to get it made, to hear and retell it, but only once they've switched off from telling it can they really take in what it means for them. It's a wonderfully powerful film and one that I really hope drives change in Pakistan to break this horrible web of child prostitution and drug abuse amidst incredible poverty.

Here is trailer. The complete film is still available on 4oD.

Here's a link to the director's thoughts on making the film: http://www.dawn.com/news/1130635
Here's a link to another article about the film: http://www.rferl.org/content/pakistan--hidden-shame-sex-abuse-peshawar/26574900.html