The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Naomi, Arlington, TX — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:16:53 GMT

this is really sad... it kind of left me speechless.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Nancy L Terry — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:19:29 GMT

In this world, beast and cnildren have no choice or voice. Is there someone out there who can tell me how I can help stop this? My heart bleeds for these children. Is there no one else who sees what is happening as monstrous?

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:25:38 GMT

Poor girls. This is disgusting.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Melissa, San Francisco, California — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:25:57 GMT

Islamic law abuses girls too by marrying them off at a young age. What is the difference between a girl making money having sex at age 12 or being forced to have sex with a man as his "wife" at age 12? It is child abuse either way. Both are unacceptable. The key is education. Education for both the boys and the girls. Education frees people from poverty in most cases.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Kim, Houston, Tx — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:29:23 GMT

This is so sad

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Kris Johnson, Honolulu HI — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:33:57 GMT

We can say we can't do anything, or we can learn from what has been done in other countries such as Thailand, where international pressure has lessened the destruction of young lives. Organizations such as International Justice Mission are having success in combating exploitation like this. Thanks for keeping issues like this in front of us.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Nancy, bellingham,wa — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:38:19 GMT

I understand that temporary marriages are permitted in Islam (as is done in Iran) which is essentially prostitution, which may allay the religious ... qualms ... some people may feel about the situation but I suspect Sharia law would do essentially nothing to improve the situation for these girls (and the women they become). Obviously, the laws need to be cahnged to allow those police who are inclined pursue these issues to do so.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

just jerry — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:41:31 GMT

It is sad that this article gets so little attention. We pretend that this happeneing just in places like Pakistan when it doesn't take too much research to find it is happening throughout the world. The use of women and children in the sex trade simply doesn't raise the ire of enough people. It is sad and until we reach the point where the dignity and value of each human life is important to us we don't deserve the luxuries we seek.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Julian Pinner — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:42:19 GMT

Stories like this point to why the Islamic revolution is succeeding and democracy is failing in many parts of the globe.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Cajunenvy — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:42:57 GMT

THIS IS DISCUSTING... THE GOVERNMENT DIFFENTLY NEEDS CHANGE AND ALL THE PEOPLE ABUSING THESE YOUNG GIRLS AND TEACHING THEM THAT THIS IS WHAT THEY NEED AND HAVE TO DO SHOULD BE PUNISHED. THIS IS NO WAY OF LIFE AND MOST DEFINITLY NOT A WAY TO RAISE YOUNG WOMEN AND CHILDREN!

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Susan Lepping — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:43:18 GMT

How sad, just babies

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Sarah, California — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:48:36 GMT

I am absolutely appalled that given the horrid situation these girls are in, someone chose to title them "Working Girls." Why isn't the title of this post "The rape victims of Quetta"? Surely no one is suggesting that these girls are old enough to consent or freely choose this line of work.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Sarah, Montross, VA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:48:51 GMT

This is a sad sad story...
Things need to change in the world as a whole. This story could have been set in the US also. It is happening all, all over. The children are the ones that are suffering.
May GOD keep them in His sheltering arms.
God Bless!

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

JH — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:48:58 GMT

Reply to Melissa:
Warren Jeffries must have been following islamic law huh ?
And I guess most people in Utah are closet Moslems too.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

John, Dallas, TX — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:49:15 GMT

Why doesn't some god help out?

BECAUSE THERE ARE NONE!!

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Harry, NC — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:49:19 GMT

To say that prostitution in Pakistan is the fault of the West is ridiculous. There's a reason why it's called the "World Oldest Profession" Prostitution's been here long before there was a "West". Anyone ever heard of Rahab (Joshua 2:1)?

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Sameer Zetterberg — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:50:48 GMT

This is sad. But this is the story of every country of the world. Here in States there are 100s of thousands of registered sex offenders and millions are living under the blanket with noone is noticing them. Thousands of Eurpeans go to India and Combodia to do sex with minors. Why there is no article about them? We have to quit hypocracy in order to achieve better future. Peace

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Andre, Miami, Fl — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:51:30 GMT

there is consequences for every sin. that is very sad to what young girls have to go through. judgement is coming for those people who are committed those crimes to those young girls

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Junaid, Sacramento, California — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:51:45 GMT

There is no such a thing as "child marraige" or " Temporary Marraige" in Islam. Anything contrary to this is an aberation of Islam. Please go to the relaible sources on Islam and get your facts right. For example -- www.whyislam.org.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Susan, Dallas — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:52:29 GMT

Here again we see the two-sides of Islam. Sure, child prostitution might be against Islamic law but these middle-aged perverts are Muslim and they are no doubt blameless in the eyes of the insane radical clerics. Naturally, the sin here is on the part of the young girls - it is their fault that these pigs cannot control themselves -- and no doubt, it is these precious children who will be severely punished.

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OMAR ROJAS — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:52:38 GMT

WELL I AM ATONISHED TO READ ABOUT THIS COMING FROM AN ISLAMIC COUNTRY,WHAT SORT OF VALUES THIS SOCIETY HAVE,RELIGION IS NOT THE ANSWER TO THESE PROBLEMS ON THE CONTRARY IT WILL WORSEN THEM.I DO HOPE THE BUREACRATIC PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF THEIR DUTIES.

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Majid, Houston, TX — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:53:01 GMT

this is utterly dispicable and torturous!!!! I am a muslim and have 2 little daughters and I cannot immagine what these sick people are doing to these innocent girls. I do not consider these to be muslims and I will the first one to get these animals punished. just don't know how!!!!

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larry ,windermere, florida — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:53:28 GMT

Sharia law or not, religion or no religion, has nothing to do with it,it is no use blaming western cultures on what is going wrong in pakistan, it is just very low moral standards, and lack of self esteem and education.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Eric, Afghanistan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:06 GMT

Islam guarantees protection for these girls? How about education for these young girls? Stop blowing up the schools, idiots. What happens when they become women? They get treated like the women in Saudi Arabia; beaten and imprisoned for getting gang raped, forbidden to drive or be unaccompanied by a male member of the family among other abuses. The women are covered because the men in these countries are weak and can't control themselves. Islam is just as misogynous as any religion that seeks to subjugate women whilst turning a blind eye to their plight.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Larissa, Eatontown, New Jersey — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:26 GMT

Yes, this is terribly heartbreaking. However there is hope when children can be connected with aid organizations. If you would like to make a difference, check out websites for International Justice Mission or World Vision.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

ferdus frank , ny,ny. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:31 GMT

where is the law enforcement in pakistan and other countries in that region. Actually all the governments around that area and in pakistan are completely corrupt in their own country but they try their level best to make them look better in the eye of west.They are abusing their own people. They simply
dont have any plan for the social security for their own country.All they know is how to talk sweet with west. My request to the west is for the sake of millions of innocent people in their country please try to be harsh with them politically and economically to develop the the justice and humanity
for their people.

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Hillary J — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:44 GMT

This is so sad, I am enraged that all these people who call the west 'bad' do not look to themselves and fix the 'bad' around them first. Shame on them. I also know that Islam as a religon does not condone this-most followers are illetrate and ignorant enough to follow what the mullah says. I have been to Pakistan and feel that the basic cause of the so-called 'jihad' against the west and all their own problems, is ignorance and illetracy. SAD!! :(

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Ken, Glenville, NC — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:49 GMT

I love that you quote a Taliban crazy who thinks the West is responsible for prostitution. Oh yeah, and Sharia will protect the little girls with circumcision and making sure they can't go out of the house without a male family member. But, say male members of their family are killed in a Taliban bombing? Oh, yes the girls get to stay in the house until they die. Much better solution.
Yes it is a tragedy but any reporter who quotes a source who thinks Islamic fundamentalists have the answer should qualify what his source is calling for.
Perhaps we should invoke Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints rules in America to fight prostitution here.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

susan doe, wisconsin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:50 GMT

it is noble to try to fix a wrong one sees. still, i must say, look in your own neighborhood. a person needs loads of loads of money to try to fix another country's problems. trying to fix your own neighborhood might be a little less expensive. fix your own house before trying to fix someone elses. they might not see any fixing needed.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Albert, SFO, CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:56:14 GMT

10 Rupees = 12 cents
There will be many kinds of responses here:
Islam haters: In some way or the other, it is Islam's fault.
Feminists: It is MANkind's fault.
Bleeding hearts: It is poverty's fault.

The one thing that no one else will get is that regardless of whose fault it is, this is the environment, of such enormous differences between the "haves" and "havenots" that allows this abuse to flourish. While there is no lack of exploiters and abusers in developed and rich societies, (some of them even get caught!) it is the existence of this horrendous injustice that fuels the reaction that is exploited by al-Qaeda. This horror is what breeds terrorists! If we want to eliminate terror for good from this world, all we need to do is to declare War on the abuse and exploitation of the vulnerable! But will we? Probably on a cold day in Hell!

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Jasmine, NJ — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:56:22 GMT

This is incredibly disturbing, disgusting, and disgraceful. How can these politicians who know this is happening not do anything about it? Moreover, how can they partake in this? What if it was their daughter? The sad thing is I don't know if anything can be done about this b/c the root cause of the problem is political corruption and personal agendas. Unless the scumbags who partake in this horrible crime or those who turn a blind side to this problem are out of office, nothing can be changed. I feel so bad for those poor girls. They deserve better! This makes me sick to my stomach!

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Joe, Nyack NY — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:57:11 GMT

this is a problem of POVERTY. Religious fundamentalists want to make it about MORALS, as if all things are equal in the world. Poverty is the SINGLE biggest cause of social ills, but we don't like to focus on that because poverty feels like a problem we can't solve, at least without completely changing how the world is structured. Poverty leads to social problems, making it seem necessary to "crack down" on people, as if they are the problem instead of the conditions they are forced to deal with. Religious or secular laws won't solve anything. Making sure people have the basics in life will go a long way.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Joy, Fort Collins, CO — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:57:23 GMT

one in four women in the US is sexually abused as a child. the child sex trade is flourishing here as much as there - only here people do it to their own children. why pay money when you can get it for free? this story breaks my heart - as little is being done to combat this issue in Pakistan, in my opinion even less is being done here.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Matt, Charlotte, North Carolina — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:57:38 GMT

Pretty sure Sharia law wouldn't help these girls. If I recall correctly, hasn't Sharia law been used to punish rape VICTIMS claiming the girl was dressed too salaciously and therefore tempted the men into sin? It's also been used to justify wife beatings and honor killings where families are allowed to legally murder a female relative for bringing some alleged dishonor to the family, probably because she voiced an opinion without her husband's or father's permission.

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Arthur Seay, Memphis, TN — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:57:58 GMT

Yes, it is a terible stat of affairs, however, we have the same situation or worse in this country. Do you realize that as we speak American minors, mostly runaways whose parents did not want or could not care for them, are being sold into prostitution in other parts of this country and abroad. We often make comments like awe that is terrible when we see negative situations abroad, but we can't see truth, because our noses are in the way.

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Marc, Chicago, il — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:58:07 GMT

truly very sad, the exploitation of these children... I am a father of 10 & 5 year old girls... I cant imagine.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

David, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:58:13 GMT

Sharia law is just a cover for the legal domination of women, just another extreme that the world can do without. For an example look at Saudi Arabia to see how it works.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Dan Smith, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:58:40 GMT

http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
Please check out this web site for more information on how to help human trafficking.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Rick Marlin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:59:15 GMT

These poor children are part of a World Wide assault on Children. We as a Nation and a World do not protect the children as we should. This is happening in the U.S. and all countries. We are all too busy with other issues to save our own children from these horrors.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Maryam, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:59:42 GMT

It's interesting to see non-Muslims act like 'experts' on Shariah Law. FACT: you probably have never read the Quran, thus you have no right to make a 'conclusion' based on women's rights in Islam. Leave it up to real, practicing Muslims -- those Muslims who practice true Islam and not culture. After all, Islam came to PAGAN ARABS WHO WOULD BURY THEIR DAUGHTERS ALIVE; THE QURAN CONDEMNS THIS, AS ILLUSTRATED IN THE QURAN, CHAPTER 81, VERSES 7-8:

"..And when the girl-child that was buried alive is asked: For what sin she was slain?"

This is what we, Muslims, believe will happen on the Judgment Day. The girl who was innocently buried alive JUST BECAUSE SHE WAS A GIRL due to Pagan Arab practices will finally have her chance to question her murderers. And non-Muslims believe Islam is oppressive. Why don't you actually read the Quran for yourselves?

FACT: there is a major difference between TRUE ISLAM and what you see certain 'Islamic' countries practicing. In Islam, women have all the following rights, and more:

1) The right and duty to obtain education.
2) The right to work to earn money if they need it or want it.
3) The right to have their own independent property.
4) The right to express their opinion and be heard.
5) Equality of reward for equal deeds.
6) The right to provisions from the husband for all her needs and more.
7) The right to negotiate marriage terms of her choice.
8) The right to obtain divorce from her husband, even on the grounds that she simply can't stand him.
9) The right to get sexual satisfaction from her husband.
10) The right to keep all her own money (she is not responsible to maintain any relations).
11) To refuse any marriage that does not please them.
12) Custody of their children after divorce.

I could go on and on; but I am not going to force my beliefs on here, Quran-thumping. Rather, I hope to shed light on this issue so you we all can change ourselves in an attempt to bridge the gaps between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Again, leave it up to real Muslims to explain Islam. This is where the gaps between the Muslim world and the west come from -- ignorant non-Muslims acting like they're scholars on Islam.

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GUS, MIAMI, FL — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:00:05 GMT

"UNTIL COUNTRIES LIKE PAKISTAN DO NOT BUILD INFURSTURCTURE AND INVEST IN THERE OWN COUNTRY TO CREATE JOBS AND GIVE THERE CHILDREN A CHANCE FOR SURVIVAL, THEY ARE DOMED" !!!!!!
FIX THE CRAP IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD FIRST THEN WORRY ABOUT OTHERS. EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE...
GOD HELP US ALL....

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Dena, Madras — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:00:34 GMT

There are basic human rights...are there not? Who, how are these protected,defended? I read this, and the rapes in Africa...but what will be done? I say, for example, western men should be prosecuted when they return from overseas, where they have raped children and encouraged this "market".
And the UN must go in with troops and put a stop to what is going on in the Congo, men raping babies as young as 11 months or 4 years, and woman being shot in the vagina with rifles (article on MSN). Oh wait, stupid me. What do they have to offer, the US? We don't go in a country to protect human rights unless there is some pay off. Anyone remember Rawanda?????
We are a nation, a world, of whores, going to hell in a handbasket. This is all pure evil.

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Joe Gagner — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:02:23 GMT

It is easy to hate terrorists. It is not so easy to admit that we in the west conduct ourselves in manners that feed their cause.
Open sexuality cloaks itself in freedom's robes, thus undermining the very pillars on which freedom is built, encouraging sexual promiscuity and teaching the weak to give in even as driving the strong toward the development of weakness. Worse, it cloaks itself in lies that start with truth in order to twist unacceptibility into acceptibility, and then into desirability.
Muslims, and others who hate us, see the worst in those who lead them, and blame them for following our example even as blaming us for setting that example as fomenting corruption. Then they blame us also for supporting the purveyors of that corruption in their own countries because we meddle to hold up in office those who are unwanted.
They see only the worst of our ways, and hate us for it, even as we see only the best of ourselves, and slowly evolve until we include the worst as goodness to - even though it isn't. Either way, we hate them as badly for what they become because we will not admit how corrupt we have become. It is all a vicious cycle in which we create the very hatefulness we then exacerbate by our opposition as we meddle in other nations politics.
Somehow, somewhere, some way, we need to begin doing things in a better way. And it can only happen if we re-examine our own conduct and begin building by our own examples something that really is better and a true shining dream rather than just a false image of such.
Else eventually we will be overrun by the enemies we incite.

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antobello — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Yes abuse But you don't understand in the jewish old bible it was very common for a nine year old girl to get maried and the coran comes straight out of jewish bible also they are the same people it is their tradition who are you? to crtisize some ones tradition.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Jenny Jacobs Santa Rosa, Ca. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:03:01 GMT

As a mother of a almost 10yr old daughter, who loves her my little ponies and books about animals as I often lay on her bed in her shabby chic room I always remember to thank god for her for I know she will never know of hurt or hunger or scared of what evil there is outside of our home, for she is the lucky one and my heart aches that it hurts for if only I can help those children as well. God please watch over them as I watch over mine.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Maryam, Salt Lake City, Utah — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:03:27 GMT

Wake up people -- this is happening right here in America. And, why is not a girl pressured into sex with her boyfriend 'oppressive??'

And by the way, in Islam, there is no 'marrying age.' Rather, the Quran simply states that once you reach the age of the social majority, then you may pursue marriage.

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Bruce,Philadelphia,Pa — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:03:48 GMT

I thought this type of thing is punishable by death in the Muslim world....

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1Friend — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:03:51 GMT

Prostitution anywhere exists because of the demand- the clientelle -no matter their religion or the laws of the land. Laws, whether secular or religious, obvioulsy don't legislate all hearts, do they? Why think Shariah law can do what even God himself is not doing - preventing sin on earth. Yet. He will determine the time when He himself will act against.

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walt, salt lake city, ut — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:04:04 GMT

unbelievable. the politicians must be animals

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Niki Epplett, Muskegon, MI — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:04:06 GMT

There is an agency called Love 146, you can visit their website, www.love146.org, that is working at ending child sex slavery & exploitation. You can donate to the organization and/or find out more about what they do by visiting their site. This is a way to help when you are feeling very helpless worlds away from these children they are reporting about. But let's not forget that this kind of thing happens in our towns too. Find local organizations to help those children in your area too.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

keith,NY — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:04:23 GMT

men have to respect their children and families. men should also know right from wrong. I guess islam doesnt teach that. great religion. thats why your countries are trash and everyone wants to come to america. ever hear a sane person saving their money to move to pakistan or iran or afganistan...no. cause your country is so backwards and oppressive who would want to? the west is laughing cause you cant get your own coutries in order and even more hilarious is that you even spit at those trying to help you. the west should build a big wall around these coutries like in Escape from New York and walk away.

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Damon H, Tulsa OK — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:04:24 GMT

As a father myself, I can only hope that things change.

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Kris — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:05:06 GMT

That kind of behaviour is not right nor exceptable. Those children should not be treated that way nor should anyone else. We are all human and we all bleed red, so NO ONE should have the right to do to those children what is happening. IT'S SICK... The people that are doing it should be punished for such cruel behaviour.

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Orbelin colorado springs CO — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:05:11 GMT

After reading this article I am saddened by what is written, then I look at my own life here in the United States and I see no difference. Before I start to care for others elsewhere I feel the focus should be here in the United States.

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Anonymous, NH — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:05:39 GMT

I was in the military during the mid 1980's. I had the opportunity to visit the Philippines, which by itself was a shocker. Back then, the average yearly income was $300, so the poverty was incredible.

Well, normally did not drink, but that night I had a few, and was tipsy. I was in a bar in the middle of the night (+- 3am) with some friends and some women. Seated at the table was this girl, who could not have been more than 10 years old...in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

I was a VERY naive young man, and it was not until much later that I realized she was just another prostitute.

I am so glad my daughter does not have to endure this life. It is so sad.

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Shron, Little Rock, AR — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:05:49 GMT

Prostitution is going on everywhere. I do believe it is very sad for any child or human being to go through such measures as to selling there body for drugs and money. I believe if they can beg and sell their bodies at such a young age they should allow the children and women to get a job. I do hope that in the future everything will get better.

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Janet Clark — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:06:16 GMT

Nancy said: Is there someone out there who can tell me how I can help stop this?

Check out Not for Sale online- there's a world wide movement to end slavery and exploitation. Modern-day abolitionists are networking, investigating and taking action. Join us!

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Jay, Crestview fl. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:06:32 GMT

This is happening all over the world, and it is heart breaking. Is it not true that under Islamic law, these girls would be furthur punished instead of being helped? Would they not be subject to honor killing or forced to commit suicide to protect the family honor? Seems, like many things, the intensions are good, but the solution is just as bad?

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Bob, seattle, WA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:06:49 GMT

The sad part is that in the US there is more slavery(Human sex slaves) than there was in the civil war. Prostitution of all kinds is a massive problem in the US not just abroad. We need to open our eyes to what is going on in the US as well.

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Al Smith, Detroit, MI — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:08:20 GMT

This scene is all over, east Europe, Asia, Africa, and even here in the U.S., so it is not tied to any religion or lifestyle, this is a result of poverty.

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Pam Portland, OR — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:08:25 GMT

We have the same problem in the states, but much of it is done at home, or with children being groomed by authority figures before abusing them. Children are abused and filmed, then blackmailed, children are addicted to drugs, and then they do things to get the drugs, children are exploited after being seduced online. We need education, but we also need to understand that pedophiles never change and decide what we're going to do about it.

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Tim Los Angeles — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:09:06 GMT

It seems the imams in the madrasses use any problem in their country as an excuse to drum up hate for the west. It's not our influence.

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Woman, California — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:09:12 GMT

Oh my God. The heart is depraved and desperately wicked. It makes me feel like I am going to vomit.

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Christine, Cincinnati, Ohio — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:09:19 GMT

women for women international works to help women and children. I don't know the degree to which they are helping in Pakistan, but they are a very strong organization. I sponsor a woman and her children for only $35/month. I have to believe women getting stronger and educated in any part of the world increases the likelihood of women and girls eventually being helped in all parts of the world. It's at least one small way I feel like I don't just sit on the sidelines.

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Moose,johnstown Pa — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:10:28 GMT

yes education is key but please dont try to westernise these people they don't want to be or they would be trying harder all we do is make the radicals more radical and please don't say religion will solve it because all it will do is cause more problems we need to keep our nose out of the middle east as much as possible

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Sana, Chicago — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:10:56 GMT

Mellisa, married at 12 are you crazy? I was born and raised in the US but my family is from Pakistan. In my family and every other Pakistani family I have ever met it is the girls choice whom they marry and not only that they expect the guy and girl to be college educated. That is the norm. Get your degree your spouse obtains his or hers then you marry. As for this article to me the problem is lack of economic opportunity for the poor. That is what leads to these horrific events to happen in the first place.

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Ricardo, Argentina — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:11:19 GMT

It can't stop because the one that benefit are politicians who are involved on having sex with children and at the same time it is a very lucrative business for other people.

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Brian, Sacramento CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:11:36 GMT

The part that really gets me about all this is the hard line cleric's view that all of this is the fault of "The West", and that they need to wage jihad against "The West" to protect these girls. That "protection" would then include beatings for such offenses as going to school, going outside without a full burqa, and then of course the obligatory "honor killings" of girls for having the audacity of being a rape victim! I fear for that entire society, not just for the girls

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Tim Los Angeles — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:11:42 GMT

Why is it that people like Joe Gagner try to blame ALL the world's problems on the US and the west?

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CS, Kandahar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:11:49 GMT

Interesting comment by the cleric. Under sharia law the girls would be the first to be punished. Just more rhetoric by another power mad mullah preaching his corrupted interpretation of Islam.
Education is crucial to the advancement of any people, but how to go about in this part of the world? This is foremost an economic problem. In a society where women are not allowed to work, but it is perfectly ok for them to beg alongside the road, something is broken.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

John Doe, Nashville, TN — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:11:52 GMT

This is a problem everywhere not just Pakistan...education will not work capital punishment is the only way to stop this for everyone involve both the parents and the guys that are paying for it.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

shehzad — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:12:20 GMT

the only way to reduce this evil is economic development. Pakistan must given market access into it's major trading partners via special arrangement such as duty free access into these markets.aid does nothing as msot of it is either siffoned off or tied to the country granting it.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Omshanti — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:12:40 GMT

Catch 20 anyway -helpless children being exploted by the universal act of corruption,Greed, Power. Man made laws to feed there evil thirst.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Brandon Wenatchee, WA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:13:01 GMT

Does everyone remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? The entire world can be compared to those cities, and we know what happened to them.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Ken, Smithfield, VA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:14:11 GMT

So sad but this happens all around the world even in the good old USA. Just not at the level as in other countries yet. It might sound immoral and wrong but these are some of the choices made due to a society that condones little moral values and corrupt politicians. Sounding more like the USA already isn’t it?

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

AUM, Hollywood, CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:15:10 GMT

Catch 20 anyway -helpless children being exploted by the universal act of corruption,Greed, Power. Man made laws to feed there evil thirst.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Robert, Sherman Oaks, Ca — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:15:24 GMT

The real issue behind all this is "SCARCITY" When there is scarcity crime/ prostitution/ etc...goes up anywhere in the world.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

bm — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:15:25 GMT

their society needs help. We all need help of course and not one is perfect, but the protection of child should be a civilizations top priority. Seems Pakistan has this one placed far down on the list:( Shameful, sad and depressing.

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Fire Fly, Seattle, WA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:16:23 GMT

The best answer for cultures like these is the incorporation of Judeo/Christian values. Consider the European pagan cultures before Christianity was introduced. Unfortunately, many of these cultures reject the very thing that could help them the most.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

RS, Texas — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:16:27 GMT

I'm from pakistan, and grew up very privileged so my parents did volunteer work for poor rural areas as well, and we found that its a taboo to be poor in pakistan. Nobody cares if they live or die. The root of the problem is education and also taking away the deep superstitions in the culture. In pakistan, either youre wealthy or youre poor, and there is so much corruption politically, that the government stopped caring for the people, dont care for the poor. Its all about power and money. Thats why you see women and children exploited in this nation. Bhutto was suppose to build more shelters, provide care at a national level for the people in 1990s but she ended up embazzling the money, and lived of it. Musharraf was suppose to fight the Alqueda but seems like he kept the money for his military. Severe oversight or international pressure is needed for pakistan's government to work. My parents left Pakistan because they were professors, they teach all over the world. My parents were poor in their childhood, worked their way up. I continue to send money for so-called shelters, sometimes, I send clothes. I'm very ashamed for my country but in media instead of critizing the governement, we need to get with nonprofits to fix this issue because the gov will not do anything other than keep the money in their wallets.

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Jordan Neptune, NJ — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:16:28 GMT

And these countries have the audacity to say the Western Influences are ruining the world. No i would say your own citizens are ruining your own country. This is disgusting and these people need to take a long look in the mirror before they start bashing the United States and the Western World. Fine we should pull all our humanitarian aid out and let these countries fend for themselves, since most don't seem to want our help anyways.

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Cynthia — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:17:01 GMT

If people in those countries spent as much time and money on helping these girls as they do on their 'jihad', maybe something would change for the good. As it is, their fathers and brothers are too busy planning terrorist attacks to care what is happening with these little girls.

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Carlos Gonzalez,Gurabo,Puerto Rico — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:17:05 GMT

Here in north,central and south america we also have child prostitution,specially in the poor counties.The child pornography is growing fast too.How can we citizens compel our gobernments to apply stronger laws against such crimes.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Osi, portland, OR — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:17:05 GMT

Ok First of all Islam doesn't force anyone in a marraige, I am a muslim and I know my religion. Islam has a strict law if a girl doesn't want to marry someone she has all the rights to refuse.

Secondly people have added stuff to Islam for thier own convenience, like Iran(Shiat), they can temporarily marry someone for a one night stand or whatever. This is totally prohibited in Islam, the Islam that I talk of is the original and authentic Islam from the days of our beloved PROPHET Mohammed peace be upon him. During his time there was only one Islam, and now people have thier own version of Islams, so be very careful when you qoute Islam, is it the original one or the distorted, one would ask how would I know which one is correct, very simple by reading the Quran and the Saying of Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him.

Thirdly there is a difference between a practical and a non practical muslim(person who follows Islam), it is the same for all the religion, we have seen so many preists and church leaders commiting adultry and molastations, but no muslim say that Christianity is a horrible religion who's leaders are child molasters. It is the driver not the car which has a fault, Islam protects the right of a women compared to any religion in the world, but are you prepare to practice it completly not just pick and choose according to your convenience.

These Muslims who call themselve muslims are pathetic and black spot on the name of muslims, they should know better, and I would encourage if there was a true Sharia law implemented we may not see such abuses.

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Freedom First — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:17:52 GMT

Pretty soon, this will be happening in EVERY city in America, if we don't wake up and get the Democrats OUT OF OFFICE. Our economy is in the toilet thanks to the "economic terrorists" that now call themselves Democrats. Sure, Bush wasn't the best, but at least I had a job then. And now we spend a TRILLION dollars "hoping" that it will "change" something---what a joke.....

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kanan krishnan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:18:09 GMT

this is shocking and heartbreaking. sharia law doesn't mae any difference. look at afghanistan. women are far worse. unless people become literate and the society becomes open and free, there will be little changes in issues like this. there are lot of evils like this even in a free soceity like US,UK,France,etc..where there are cults that abuse and marry children in utah,nevada. things like this will always be there but in a smaller way and they will be punished when caught. humans are evils. it will never go away.

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Nada King — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:18:19 GMT

.."no one bothers to stop it because our leaders have forgotten their duties to the people, and are after their own power and riches... We are being destroyed from within by moral corruption and greed".... What a profound truth...We see it here in our own country also. Whenever greed and corruption rule, that's the outcome: destruction. Let the West not boast, that we are much better. It's just another side of the coin. That's what happens in the world when men forget God, His principles, and become god to themselves. I'm glad this world will not go on and on ... Thank you Lord Jesus, for your Kingdom coming! :)

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peanutgallery, nj — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:18:47 GMT

To Maryam in Salt Lake City, Unfortunately all those rights you mentioned (as honorable and fortright as they are) will be taken away under the Taliban and AlQaida. Their version is what's reported and their version is what's believed by non-believers. The problem isn't that there are non-believers trying to interpret Islam and Koran, the problem is Islam allowing the Talibans and AlQaidas of the world to interpret Islam and Koran. You need to focus your anger on that issue and work towards correcting it!

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Maria, East Lansing, MI — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:19:00 GMT

This is incredibly sad, and like many commenters have mentioned, it is happening the world over. In fact, right here in the U.S. there is an outrageous amount of child sexual exploitation. A great way to help do something about it is to support organizations fighting this atrocious crime. I would suggest GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) - check out their website:

http://www.gems-girls.org/

From their website: GEMS "is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking."

Check out these stats, also from their website:

"Facts about Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSEC):

• The Department of Justice estimates the most frequent age of entry into the commercial sex industry in the United States is 12-14 years old

• Approximately 325,000 children in the United
States are subjected to sexual exploitation each year

• According to a 2007 report from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, over 2,200 children are victimized through commercial sexual exploitation in NYC"

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

inamullah, lahore, Pakistan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:21:28 GMT

being pakistani, i think i can understand the social and economic conditions these girls find themselves in. when one is hungry, morality takes a back-seat. it is sheer poverty-driven and cases of worst abuse are witnessed every day, where even islamic clerics sexually abuse young boys, in some cases as young as 5 years old.

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Robert , Venice, CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:22:56 GMT

Absolutely intolerable!! These men deserve to be shot!

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Wali Hamidullah, Rochester, New York — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:23:27 GMT

To the person who said that Islamic law is to blame for this. Your opinion sounds that you are biased against Islam. Islam does not permit prostitution, nor does Islam permit sex outside of marriage. Islamic law upholds very strongly the institution of marriage which is designed to protect women and men from illegal sexual intercourse. Allah says in the Qur'an that sex outside of marriage is harmful to both women and men. It is also detrimental to strong families. Also, in regards to Islam permitting temporary marriage, this is not true. Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), unequivocally prohibited temporary marriage. In regards to males and females marrying at a young age then this is just a point where our beliefs and yours are not in agreement. But as muslims we believe that since Allah created mankind, that He knows what is best for them. Prostitution is a problem in general, it is not specific to Islam. Do you not see that women are exploited through the sex trade in western societties also. Would it be fair for us to say that this is a christian problem. No it would not, because prostitution is un-christian, and the laws of Jesus (which were given to him by Allah) would have prohibited prostitution. Prostitution and sex outside of marriage are all in disobedience of God (Allah), or whatever name you choose to call the creator by.

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Carrie WA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:23:29 GMT

This happens everywhere on this planet even here in our country and has been going on since the beginning of time. If you want to help start at your local teen centers.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

inamullah, lahore, Pakistan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:23:51 GMT

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

arthur mills wolfforth,tx — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:24:00 GMT

Stop look around this good ole USA.We have kids doing this in our bigger cities. Lets clean up our mess. then work on the world. God Bless (ASAP)

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Maritza — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:24:04 GMT

This is so sad and disgusting. These men have no shame, the government need t put a stop to this nonsense and punish the people that do this to these young girls. The parents should be punised mostly for letting this happen to their children.

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Nasir Malik, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:24:46 GMT

This is disgusting and heart wrenching. In 60 years corrupt politicians and military dictators have destroyed such a beautiful country like Pakistan. They just built unimagineable wealth for themselves and ignored the plight of the suffering masses. Someone in Pakistan has to step up and do something constructive to avoid total disaster.

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Jamie Nicewander — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:24:50 GMT

Pakistan will never help these girls. So, who will do it? It is the obligation of the strong to protect the weak. Unfortunately, that moral code is far gone now in this world of greed especially in the U.S.. The bail out is the perfect example. If someone really wanted to help all they would have to do is open a school that pays children to go to school. A sexual act for 12 cents or homework assignment for 12 cents. It would be easy to fund and thousands of kids could be helped. The U.S. is no longer the guiding light in the world. Our own country is falling apart.

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TMartin, Richmond, Va. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:41:33 GMT

We are being destroyed from within by moral corruption and greed."
Sounds like America !!!

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Martha Jackson, Kent, Wa — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:41:41 GMT

This is a horrific and disgusting thing that's happening to these children. The resolution to this indecent act starts at the top. GOVERNMENT!!!

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Lorenzo Santana — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:44:00 GMT

Rape is NOT about sexuality or romance. Rape, pure and simple is all about power and control. There is nothing intimate about it. And I might add, though it happens to a much lesser degree, women of strength and power throughout history have also wielded their own sexuality as a means of maintaining power and control. That is NOT to condone any activity that victimizes children.

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Meta Hall, Thonotosassa, Florida — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:44:11 GMT

It is true. I know other girls have told me... and my heart is weighed down with sorrow. But it is here in America, So do not be blind!
I am reminded of the old saying,
Evil prevails when good men do nothing!

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STL, Fort Worth, TX — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:47:19 GMT

Well, what a really sad situation. But it sounds like the girls in the article are making the ultimate decision to get into the trade, then using whatever hardships as their scapegoat for doing what they do. Whether in Pakistan or in America, it's more worsening of the condition of mankind that we should revel in hedonistic behavior (The girls giggled as they ran away) instead of respecting the bodies that we have been blessed to have. With all that said, I DO feel badly for girls of any age who feel led to give their bodies to sinisters everywhere. Well, being a pretty piece of flesh has been a boon for women since God placed man and woman on earth, but it is a sad reality that what God meant to be shared with one other person is willingly being shared with many. I don't think the economy is what's really getting worse....

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Anne, Nampa, Id — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:59:58 GMT

My message to the woman who is espousing Sharia Law is this. Sharia Law is right now being used for punishing women who do not go along with their spouses or male family members wishes. The cleric who is the most vocal about this just beheaded his wife for wanting a divorce. I do not call this a good law. I read and study, and with the way I have seen things going, we may in this country wind up under Shariah Law. I hope that I am dead by that time as I am definitely not the type to submit any longer to the dictates of a man who has to prove he is a man by making me subordinate in every way. I pray for you and all the women who have been programmed to believe that this is right. NEVER AGAIN FOR ME!!

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AR, New York, NY — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:00:27 GMT

This message is in respones to Melissa from San Francisco. If you can, please show me where in Islamic Law there is specific abuse on girls by forcing them to get married at a young age. I sincerely challenge you to find any such information and bring it to light. It is this narrow mindedness that makes this country so blind to international problems. The abuse of young girls is more of a regional occurrence, just as it is in certain areas of this country, which for our intents and purposes will remain nameless. To outright blame an entire religion for the practices of a region are asinine, much like most of your commentary. Being a muslim, I take great offense to your undue characterization of Islam. Being Pakistani, it hurts me to see girls being taken advantage of in such a way. It is absolutely necessary to educate people and get the tribal and regional conflicts in Pakistan solved in order for this problem to be fixed. There is little if any unity in government and everytime a leader takes office, he or she is driven out within a few years. People keep picking at things that don't need repair, while ignoring obvious maladies. Pakistan lacks direction and the last thing we need there is the imposition of Islamic Law, which will do nothing, but muddle the situation further. They need to do away with these loopholes immediately, so that the police can be more proactive, rather than just reactive, in their attempts to dissuade such behavior. But therein lies the weakness. The politicians in Pakistan have made it near impossible to make any national change because each of the four provinces have their own agenda. When that's the case, nothing gets legislated and therefore no action is ever executed. Point is, stop with your political machinations and move ahead for change. Learn from history or you are doomed to repeat it.

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Bill — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:00:35 GMT

Another argument for the religious right in our country. Morals are good, whether islam or christian. We need them. Men need to be gentlemen and women ladies. This needs to be taught to our young men and women.

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John, Phoenix AZ — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:03:55 GMT

To maryam, of Utah

You are correct that people should not judge what they do not know. However in thier defense I can only say that what we are shown is the only thing we know. Because Radical Islamists are the only sect that gets attention, that is waht most westerners think of all Islam. Perhaps if there were more Islamist activists that actually took a stand against such extremists we would have a better opinion.

However there are not, Peaceful Islamist stand by while there own people as well as westerners are slain in the name of Islam.

The passages you cite are put aside by these extremists and everyone suffers because of it.

If you really want to change peoples minds perhaps you are looking to the wrong audience.

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JIm, Chicago — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:04:32 GMT

Tell me, boys and girls, is it just as disgusting as what happens to children right here in the USA, or is it worse cuz its in a muslim country?
Before you see the splinter in your brother's eye, look to the plank in your own. Fact is that tens of thousands of young girls languish in sexual slavery right here in our own country, so stop judging other nations, and help to stop it here first.
Education isn't going to help. Neither is government handouts. The only thing that will stop this is decent jobs at a decent wage. Do you think girls enjoy having sex for money? Do you think they like walking the street for cash? If their parents had decent jobs, they wouldn't be doing it.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Jimmy, San Francisco CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:05:03 GMT

It would be nice if the story put things in perspective. Pakistan has 173 million people. Are we taking about 20,000 people or 1 million? Is this a recent development? It doesn't help that there is only a single image that doesn't include a single exploited individual. I'm also somewhat sceptical of the intent of the story. The President of Pakistan is Western friendly - compared to his rival who is Al Queda friendly. Is the intent of this story to help these children? Or to humiliate the government of Pakistan? In the threads here you see a lot of posters disparaging Muslums.

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Lamb — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:05:38 GMT

This is outrageous. Laws supposedly made to protect girls, children or women, are made by men, probably the same men who abuse these females. That is why they made the law so darn complicated, so that they could get away with their wrong-doings. It's tragic to think that now in 2009, there is still such atrocities committed towards innocent young girls and children.

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Marie , Miami — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:06:55 GMT

Pakistan TV should copy the sting operation for pedophiles on Dateline NBC with correspondent Chris Hansen. That should bring arrests for a few hundred perverts.

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Reene, Portland, OR — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:08:04 GMT

I wish these stories could be highlighted more... Maybe people can be become more aware of these problems instead of the never-ending fighting. I for one, had no idea that Pakistan of all places, had such a huge prostitution problem!

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Vianca Brown — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:12:38 GMT

I am not American nor from Pakistan. I don't judge ANY religion, because it doesn'r matter. ALL of us are sinners!!! I condem every single person whom may have sex with children; I don't care under what circumstances. Those are the ones we need to be careful from. If you really feel sickened by this article; uh! you haven't heard nothing yet. Why don't you start contributing to a non-profit organization and get educated to help combat child explotation? do something about it. Start by paying attention to your own husband and his often "business trips"; check his computer. Yes; sick people are EVERYwhere. Don't cover for anyone; do the right thing; for your own salvation. Keep an eye (BOTH!!!) on your own kids. Where do you think all those missing children end up at?; and if you don't want them, drive to that place where you can drop them off and don't be questioned about it. There are a lot of good people out there too that would love to take the "load" for you. Good bless!

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Looking Up, Up Up — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:12:53 GMT

There is no cure for humans. The only thing that will fix us is a meteor of appropriate size and proximity

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Mohammad Khan, Corona, CA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:14:16 GMT

As a muslim and as a Pakistani, I feel really ashamed on what's going on there. I feel really sorry for these girls. I appreciate everyone's feelings and sorrow for these girls in this post but I also feel sorry for people who are some how trying to connect this to Islam. Please...please...please, stop doing this. This also hurt feelings of all the Muslims and I'm sure you do not intend to do that.

I ask all of you who think that this is somehow related to Islam, to go to any muslim country or start calling muslim families in any part of the world and tell them about this story; only thing that you will hear from them is the anger on these culprits who are exploiting these girls and sorry for these girls. Bad people are everywhere. They do not have religion. Do you think that these guys who did this shameless act were performing some kind of religious act? Can you think of any religion who will allow this to happen? I'm a muslim and I know it's not permissible in Islam (infact punishable) but I also have complete faith that no other religion allows it either. Please stop following Bush Doctrine of balming everyting on Islam and start getting your facts straight. I hope I've not offended anyone and if I did I apologize sincerely.

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Jim Moore, Austin, TX — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:14:52 GMT

Why we are looking into other contries before looking inside? How many young girls here in US have sex and how many get pregnant. Ths is happening everywhere in one form or other. Everybody acting like Opera here where she talks about wrongs in other countries but do nothing to fix her own community here.

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Rizwan Nasar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:16:41 GMT

It is sad... When children are exploited anywhere! What is happening in Quetta has nothing to do with Islam... It has everything to do with illiteracy and poverty. Unless, the Pakistani government invests in Education for everyone. Girls included! Nothing will change! I am surprised at the ignorance of the folks who are commenting... They have no knowledge of Islam and know little about Pakistan. Women are not forced to be in veils if they do not choose to. Pakistan was the first Muslim country to elect a Woman Prime Minister. It's Speaker of the Parliament is also a women. The Chairperson of the treasury is a woman. If given a chance... In terms of Education they will excel and most times be better than their male counterparts.
People of Pakistan will have to do it themselves by electing honest and dedicated leaders who would change laws to set their house in order... No one else will do it for them.

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John Smith — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:17:00 GMT

I'm from that part of the world too, a city called Karachi. Unfortunately most women who go to the police for help are repeatdly raped by the police themselves, while at the police station. Nothing new, policemen are as corrupt and immoral as one can imagine.

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Abhi Philadelphia PA — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:17:14 GMT

Urge you to please take a look at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Delhi-8-year-old-raped-killed-by-tutor/articleshow/4310895.cms

It is not religon or country etc...this is a menace everywhere and for that, in US too.

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hate and blame game. Quetta — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:18:22 GMT

omg,you will never stop throwing dirt on Pakistan.Stop pretending that you are standing on the top of this world like some gods.Guess what you too are a part of this old dirty world.And your non-muslim religious leaders are playing with the dirt you like to call "child prostitution" as well.

Stop hating others because you are not even near perfect.US Britian and rest of the euorpe have this uncontrolled epidemic of child pornography and sex slavery(prostitution) as young as 4-5.People fly to INDIA and THAILAND from all over the world for cheap sex(and AIDS:-(). Don't just call out one country' name so loud.Just because it happens to be muslim.

We need to take some steps as a world to abolish this cancer from our societies. STOP THE HATE AND BLAME GAME.

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Mohammad Shehzaib — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:19:24 GMT

Very sad indeed, but lets not forget this is happening everywhere in the world, from the slums of Pakistan to the huge houses up in L.A. or anywhere else for that matter. The sad part about all this is the reaction of the people, i mean why in their right minds would anyone call any religion bad, just because some stupid people are committing some heinous crimes? please do something, rather than blabbering about who's wrong and who's not. May Allah protect everyone and bring everyone on the righteous path, AMEN.

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Mr. B., San Diego, CA — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:08:20 GMT

Although, I agree in sympathy with the majority of the comments about the young girls being prostituted. I strongly disagree that we get involved. It's the problem of Pakistan & not anyone else's. We have to concentrate & fix the problems at home before we get involves in others problems. The USA still has problems of child porn, prostitution, illegal drug, illegal immigrants, homelessness, health care, std's, corruption, ant the list goes on. Think about these things & lets try fix them first.

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Bill, Orange, California — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:11:03 GMT

If you are a Darwinist, shouldn't this be expected? If we are only made of material without absolute truth, then this should be expected.

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Craig Parkinson Melbourne Australia — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:43:00 GMT

I can not help but notice that most of the comments are from poeple living in the USA, and perhaps this is because of the US based website. This sort of thing is not un common around the world, in AFRICA, Australia, Europe, South America and YES the USA. Children and Aminals are abused world wide and while everyone agree's it is disgraceful...what is actually done, what do people do to stop it. Praying to God or any other mythical being is a waste of time, when you go to bed in your suburban security and turn off the light thing about what is happening outside. I do not know the answer, I wish I had the answer. I guess people need to stand up united and be heard. Our governments dont do it, they talk about it but do not act unless its in the benefit of the wealthy. ie OIL producing countries. I guess what I am trying to say is its each individual responsibiliy to make a stand and defend those who cant defend themselves, be it in a city, the country, forgien land, have the Balls to make a stand.
Thanks for hearing me out.

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Kamran Anwar, Karachi, Pakistan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:55:08 GMT

Please don’t relate it with any religion… its an humanitarian issue. All the issues like prostitution, child abuse, and early age marriage can be reduced if not resolve by education. World community should understand and come up strongly to support Pakistan for children education.

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Kaiser — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:20:10 GMT

I am shocked at the comments of people who lament the treatment to these girls ,blame religion but are unaware of the ground reality.Quetta is not Los Angeles,it is a war torn region in actual sense.These people are war displaced people who have found refuge but no subsistance.During the 80s' this region was a conduit to Friendly American weapons and Stinger Missiles against the Soviets,and a refugee heaven for the innocent Afghans caught in the fight of the super powers.Now it is a target of Hostile American Drones bombing.I am sure the weapons, missiles and drones cost billions. Albert SFO from CA has rightly pointed out the fact that Rupees 10 is equivalent to 19 Cents, but this is a stark reality...these people do not have 19 cents to sustain themselves!lives of these people could change if the billions spent on destruction and weapons was spent on these people or at least a reasonable fraction.I suggest to all the people who were moved by the above story to contribute some money maybe 19 cents each and donate to well known social workers like EDHI Foundation of PAkistan so that these girls do not have to sell their pride.Alternatively I suggest these readers to be bold enough to call a spade a spade.The US interests in the region are DIRECTLY attributable to the misseries of these people.What an irony, the US military bombs them to poverty and the US civillians deplore the misseries.
It is heartening to see that American civillians are humane enough. I suggest the people who understand the reality may write and convince the world leadership to leave these people alone in the name of humanity. A possible solution to the problem is to have a regional collation Army instead of US Army in Afghanistan which is better tolerated than the Americans and which can then put an end to the instability in Afghanistan.
BUT dear readers US would never do so , for the power which rules the pivot of central Asia rules the world.Therefore if it has to be America ( a neccessary evil)why not alleviate the suffering of the common man at least by paying for their sufferings.The sad part is that palms of officials are greased by the US which only increases the corruption, at the cost of misseries of these people.
Joe Garner has got to the root of the problem, I understand that many realise the actual facts therefore I have suggested a via media. Please implore th US govt to do something for the poor of the region which is so much sought for by them.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

abby, pittsburg, kenctucky — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:39:29 GMT

Islam doesn't allow female circumcision people. that is done mainly by africans in central and southern africa who aren't muslim. Shariah law protects women. Hijab prevents molestation. Women are diamonds in Islam. Rape victims are not punished in Islam either. RAPISTS ARE THE ONES WHO ARE BEHEADED UNDER SHARIAH LAW! The only way a woman is "punished" is if she is unmarried and commits fornication or if she is married and does adultery. Same ruling applies to men.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

angie, pittsburg, ks — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:47:31 GMT

Prophet Muhammad(SAW) said it is the duty upon man and woman to seek an education from the cradle to the grave. Honor killings have no place in Islam, indeed it is haraam (forbidden) to take another's life. In Islam, we can not harm women, children, livestock, crops, people working in the fields or the eldery or cilvians when at war with another country. We have to warn the other country three times before we can attack. Prophet Muhammad(SAW) said that whoever takes a life is like he killed all of mankind, and whoever saves a life is like he saved all of mankind. "O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Qur'an 49:13.
"And whoever kills a soul... should be as though he has killed all of humankind." (Qur'an 5:32)Is Jihad "Holy War"?
No. Defintely not. Jihad should never be confused with Holy War-an idea that does not have a place in Islam. The concept of Holy War does not exist anywhere in the Qur'an, nor is it found in classical Islamic teaching. It is a foreign concept introduced by the Crusaders who waged "Holy War" against the Muslim "infidels" in the Holy Land.
Contrary to popular opinion, Jihad is not a means of forcing Islam on others. It should never be viewed as an expansionist, proselytizing movement. However, historically, and even in today's modern times, some Muslims have taken it as such. This distortion of the virtuous concept of Jihad is in total contradiction to authentic Islamic teachings.
Jihad is the noble effort of improving onself, one's family and community, one's nation and the world at large. Jihad is the struggle that a mother undergoes during pregnancy, child-birth, and raising of her child; it is years of hard work that a student puts toward a good education; it is the sacrifice that a firefighter makes when risking his own life to save another; and it is the courage that a soldier has on the battlefield in the defense of his life, his country, his freedom, and his beliefs.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

sig, atlanta, GA — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:31:06 GMT

these very things have gone on since the dawn of time. it supercedes religion, class, and status. its happening in the US right now. lets talk about how slave masters raped and killed black women, because they were considered property, not people oh, sorry 3/5 of a person. before we pass judgement let us examine ourselves and our culture.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Lucas, Yokosuka, Japan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:31:24 GMT

This is just so sad. I'm trying to find a news acticle for school and instead I find a horrible story about kids my age.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

sig, atlanta, GA — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:34:32 GMT

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Kelley, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:48:22 GMT

Check out The Sold Project. They are working to raise awareness and prevent child prostitution. www.thesoldproject.org

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

JC, American, in Germany — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:23:00 GMT

So enough is enough. We have children being taken from the streets in the U.S. EVERYDAY, and we are worried about people that live in a country where most see no issue with the practice of prostitution and we have the nerve to say let's fix it. Come on people. I have worked some horrid jobs that I did not care too much for to be able to survive, but I have never turned to that dark art. You need money the same day? Find a bar pour some drinks for some people and then move on. Can't work in a bar cuz you are too young? Find a waitress gig. The more that I see people with their hands out the tighter I clutch my wallet. Please do not think that I am heartless for that is not the case, but I do have issue with everyone and their oh please help us deal. Then after we help and they get back on their feet they scream oh we don't need your help why do you always stick your nose in where it does not belong. Um.. Cuz you asked us for help? Let's go all mushy gushy for everyone before we fix our back yard. Let's make sure that everyone else is riding rainbows and playing with happy little bunnies except us. We have all sorts of surplus cash to throw around it might as well go to a country that negates it's people and has one of the largest fastest growing poverty rates. I am really tired of hearing with great power comes great responsibility. Start being responsible for the people here before you let the government latch on that lovely red cape and those pretty blue tights to once again save the day.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Roxanne, Washington, DC — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:27:50 GMT

Like child prostitution, child marriage is a common tragedy among girls in the developing world. The House and Senate are expected to reintroduce legislation to fight child marriage in the developing world. Check with your local member of Congress to see how you can help. Visit www.icrw.org/childmarriage for more information on child marriage advocacy.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

John Doe, Califonia — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:17 GMT

Maybe if we fixed the problem of children being sexually abused and molested here in the United States, we could even begin to focus on helping the children outside of our own country. We tend to not want to acknowledge what's happening in our own back yards.
I personally was sexually abused by my adopted father at the age of 13 when I was just a young boy, I was adopted at the age of 12 1/2 & relinquished back into foster care at 13 after he was acquitted and found not guilty in a Colorado State Court House, he was a middle school teacher and went on to continue teaching and I am now 40 years old and still to this very day don't trust our legal system in the slightest. I had to stand as a child in a court in front of a bunch of strangers & explain in embarrassing detail what had been done to me only to have the courts find him not guilty apparently because I didn't pass their little lie detector test. I still can't get a copy of my original birth certificate and am stuck with their family name on my birth registration card due to the fact that after an adoption your original birth certificate gets locked away in some unobtainable file and it just so happens to be that his last name is Coward. I've had my name legally changed back to it's original ever since the horrifying incident, but he and his wives last name remain branded on my birth id registration card to remind me of the injustice that happened to me. I was sexually abused previously at the age of 9 also by anther guy who was found guilty and went to prison, but that didn't resolve the fact that that also happened to me and this guy was coming from one of those "big brothers of america associations".
Anyway, lawyers are a wee bit expensive, so unless you've got some serious money, public defenders seem to be a complete waste of breathing space, but hey.........
HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY, right?

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Sarfaraz Khan, Memphis, TN — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:11:41 GMT

This is a very sad story......

I am a father of two daughters and have very much concerned about this act. I hope that those responsible people should be brought to justice soon.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Ria, NYC, NY — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:26:23 GMT

i feel very sorry for these girls and many others who r being dragged into this crap. I hope the goverment do something about it soon.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Malik Shahzad Tahir, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:00:30 GMT

I must say that such acts are totally disgusting on the part of humanity. The people who do so are in fact a black spot on the face of humanity. The story is related with Pakistan but believe me we have no Islamic government there yet after the country came into being in the name of Islam. Pakistan has same democratic rules and constitution which inherited from British. Although certain changes in the laws were made but you can't say that there is purely Islamic laws prevailing in Pakistan. People have already said a lot about actual Islamic teachings and I assure that if the real Islamic teachings are applied such evils can be eliminated from the societies.But unfortunately people interpret Islam based on cultures in Islamic countries.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Stephanie Hobbs, NM — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:32:16 GMT

I am studying international laws, to help protect children and women form this kind of act that goes on. However in the United States our children are protected, in other countries such as this one it up to law makers to protect their children. There is to much red tape to protect these children and women. Most judges will not even begin to hear cases and lawyers are to scared to defend these women and children. It's sad if Islam is supposed be followers of God then where does the protection of their children come in?

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Chance — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:55:20 GMT

Our children in America are treated the same way, I know I was treated this way and I'm an American, but this will continue to be censored from the public I guess.

The ‘working girls of Quetta’ – children

Kate, Western New York — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:37:45 GMT

Children in the sex trade around the world are getting younger and younger. Mainly due to the fact that the wealthy people promoting the prostitution trade don't want to get sexually transmitted diseases and get "caught" and so to avoid that, they end up prostituting younger children because they are "new" to the trade. A lot of first world countries promote this trade by visiting third world countries for this purpose.