Peshawar is a city of contrasts. On the surface, it is a vibrant and diverse metropolis, known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province that borders Afghanistan and hosts millions of refugees. It is also a hub of education, trade, and tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world.
But behind the scenes, Peshawar is also home to a thriving underground network of cybercriminals, hackers, and smugglers who use the dark web to conduct their illicit activities. The dark web is a part of the internet that is hidden from the regular browsers and search engines. It can only be accessed using special software like Tor, which anonymizes the users and encrypts their traffic. The dark web offers a platform for various illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, child pornography, identity theft, hacking, and terrorism.
Why Peshawar is a Hub for the Dark Web
Peshawar has become a hub for the dark web due to several factors. One of them is its geographical location, which makes it a convenient spot for smuggling drugs, weapons, and other illegal items across the border. The city has access to various routes that connect it to other countries in the region, such as Iran, China, and India. The smugglers use the dark web to communicate, coordinate, and trade with their counterparts and customers without being detected by the authorities.
Another factor is the political instability that has plagued Peshawar for years. The city has been affected by the ongoing conflict between the Pakistani government and the Taliban, which has created a security vacuum and a lawless environment. The city has witnessed frequent attacks, bombings, and kidnappings by various militant groups, which have undermined the authority and capacity of the law enforcement agencies. The militants use the dark web to communicate, recruit, and fundraise for their cause. They also use it to access and share propaganda, training manuals, and bomb-making instructions.
A third factor is the economic hardships that the people of Peshawar face. Peshawar is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped cities in Pakistan, with a high unemployment rate and a low literacy rate. The city lacks basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and sanitation. The dark web offers an opportunity for the people of Peshawar to earn money by engaging in cybercrime, such as hacking, phishing, and fraud. The dark web also enables them to access goods and services that are otherwise unavailable or unaffordable in the city, such as drugs, weapons, and pornography.
The Horrific Reality of Child Pornography in Peshawar
One of the most disturbing and prevalent forms of crime on the dark web is child pornography. Child pornography is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is illegal in most countries, but there is substantial variation in definitions, categories, penalties, and interpretations of laws.
Child pornography is widespread in Peshawar, where children are often exploited, abused, and trafficked for sexual purposes. According to a study of child sexual abuse in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, out of a sample of 300 children 17% claimed to have been abused and in 1997 one child a day was reported as raped, gang raped or kidnapped for sexual gratification. The situation in Peshawar is likely to be worse, given the lack of data, awareness, and protection for the children.
The dark web facilitates the production, distribution, and consumption of child pornography in Peshawar. The producers of child pornography use the dark web to hide their identity and location, and to avoid detection and prosecution. They often target vulnerable children, such as orphans, street children, refugees, and drug addicts, who have no family or social support. They lure them with promises of food, money, or shelter, and then force them to perform sexual acts in front of cameras. They also use violence, threats, and drugs to control and manipulate them.
The distributors of child pornography use the dark web to market and sell their products to a global audience of pedophiles and predators. They use encryption, anonymization, and peer-to-peer networks to evade censorship and surveillance. They also use cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to facilitate anonymous and untraceable transactions.
The consumers of child pornography use the dark web to access and download the images and videos of child sexual abuse. They use special software, such as Tor, to browse the dark web without leaving any traces of their online activity. They also use encryption, passwords, and hidden folders to conceal their files from others. They often share their preferences, fantasies, and experiences with other users on online forums and chat rooms.
The dark web enables the perpetrators of child pornography to operate with impunity and profit from the exploitation and suffering of innocent children. The dark web also exposes the victims of child pornography to lifelong trauma, stigma, and health risks, such as sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and mental disorders.
The Need for Action and Awareness
The dark web poses a serious threat to the security, stability, and development of Peshawar and Pakistan as a whole. The dark web facilitates the spread of violence, extremism, and corruption, which undermine the social fabric and the rule of law. The dark web also exposes the users to various risks, such as malware, scams, and blackmail, which can compromise their privacy and safety.
There is an urgent need for action and awareness to combat the dark web and its associated crimes in Peshawar. The government, the civil society, and the international community should work together to:
- Strengthen the legal framework and the law enforcement capacity to prevent, investigate, and prosecute the dark web crimes, especially child pornography.
- Enhance the technical infrastructure and the cyber security measures to monitor, block, and disrupt the dark web activities and networks.
- Educate and empower the public, especially the youth, about the dangers and consequences of the dark web and how to protect themselves from becoming victims or perpetrators.
- Provide support and assistance to the survivors of the dark web crimes, especially the children, to help them recover and reintegrate into the society.
The dark web is a dark reality that cannot be ignored or tolerated. It is a challenge that requires a collective and coordinated response from all stakeholders. It is a responsibility that we owe to ourselves and to our future generations.