A shocking incident has taken place in Peshawar, Pakistan. Where a young girl was taken to a fake spiritual healer – locally known as a codger. The family later found out that the girl had deliberately pretended to be ill. So that he could reach the person, whose reputation was growing in the area for deceiving vulnerable people through superstition.
According to the family, the girl suddenly showed “mysterious symptoms,” which the family thought she needed spiritual treatment. But later it was found that he exaggerated the disease so that he could reach the said factor.
The family, unaware of his ways, took him to the preacher’s house for a brief “spiritual check-up.”
The teacher sent the parents out of the room.
On reaching home, the self-styled spiritual leader asked the parents to go out to “check the spiritual problem of the girl alone.” Her parents left her alone in the room.
When the girl came out after the session was over, she was clearly feeling restless and nervous.
The appearance of strange marks on the stomach and body
According to the family, the girl later said that the officer made lines and marks on her stomach and some parts of the body. She claimed that these were part of a “spiritual assessment” and there were “ill effects” on the girl, which only he could remove through multiple paid sessions.
The family described the man’s behaviour as deceitful and exploitative, saying he takes advantage of fear, superstition, and isolation to lure people – especially women – into his trap.
The family’s strong reaction – warned the public
The family says the girl was lured with false promises and used in fear-mongering. He is now warning the people of the area to stay away from such fake news.
A friend of mine said:
“The man tried to create fear so that she kept coming to him again and again. It was very inappropriate to send the parents out of the room. We want people to know so that no other family is deceived.
The growing problem of counterfeiting in the region
Social activists and community activists say the incident points to a bigger problem. In many areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, unverified spiritual healers claim to cure and “cure” diseases, while they often target women and youth.
Experts warn that there are:
There are no medical or spiritual qualifications.
They spread fear and force them to come again and again.
Their methods can lead to emotional mental harm and financial abuse.
Families should consult doctors or credible religious scholars instead of unverified generalists.
No action has yet been taken by the authorities.
So far, no official complaint has been filed against the officer, but the family says they will consider legal action if more victims come forward.
The local people are demanding the local administration to investigate against such people who deceive the people by claiming the powers of the Brahmins.
Lessons for the People
This event is a reminder for families across the region to take precautions, prioritize evidence-based medical treatment, and avoid fake spiritual practices that exploit people by taking advantage of fear and traditions.
