Alhamdulillah Ramzan is arriving soon in February 2026 and government is busy to provide different facilities economically. Specially the work of Maryam Nawaz in Lahore and Punjab is highly appreciated by the public. But today we want to discuss something which is highly neglected by the authorities. The issue of the sex trade and the rise of the call girl culture in Pakistan is a complex social problem that is deeply rooted in economics. For many years, society has looked at this issue through a moral lens, but the reality is that most women enter this profession due to extreme financial distress and a lack of survival options. If the government wants to bring a real change, it must move beyond simple police crackdowns and focus on providing sustainable livelihoods for women across the country. By creating a society where every woman has the chance to earn a respectable living, the state can naturally reduce the number of people forced into vulnerable situations.
Understanding the connection between poverty and the illegal sex industry is the first step toward a long-term solution. In Pakistan, the rising cost of living and the unemployment rate have pushed many families to the brink of starvation. When a woman is the sole breadwinner or belongs to a family with no income, she often becomes a target for human traffickers or exploitative networks. To break this cycle, the Pakistani government needs to implement inclusive economic policies that specifically target women in low-income neighborhoods and rural areas, ensuring they are not left behind in the national economy.
The Direct Link Between Poverty and the Sex Trade in Pakistan
The primary reason why the sex worker culture exists in urban centers like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad is the absence of decent work for uneducated or semi-skilled women. Many of these women come from broken homes or have been abandoned by their families, leaving them with no social safety net to rely on. Without a formal education or technical skills, they find it nearly impossible to get a job in a competitive market, which makes the informal economy their only refuge. This creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by organized crime groups that profit from the exploitation of desperate women.
Furthermore, the gender pay gap and the lack of female-friendly workplaces discourage many women from entering the legal workforce. Even when women find jobs in factories or domestic service, the low wages are often not enough to cover basic needs like rent, food, and medicine. When the government fails to provide a minimum wage that reflects the current inflation, women are sometimes lured by the quick money offered in the shadow economy. Therefore, the fight against the sex trade is actually a fight for economic justice and fair wages for the female population.
Establishing Vocational Training Centers in Every District
One of the most effective ways the government can empower women is by setting up vocational training centers that offer practical, market-oriented skills. Instead of just teaching traditional crafts like sewing, these centers should focus on modern industries such as mobile repairing, basic graphic design, and healthcare assistance. By providing free certification to women, the government can help them transition from unskilled labor to professional roles that offer higher salaries and better job security.
These training programs should be designed to be accessible for women who may not have completed high school. The government can partner with private companies to ensure that every woman who completes a course is guaranteed an internship or job placement. This direct bridge between education and employment is essential to prevent women from falling back into financial instability. When a woman knows she has a valuable skill, she gains the confidence to seek respectable work and resist the pressures of the underground economy.
Expanding Microfinance and Interest-Free Loans for Female Entrepreneurs
Small business ownership is a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and can help women become financially independent within their own communities. The Pakistani government should expand programs like the Akhuwat Foundation or the Kamyab Jawan initiative to offer interest-free loans specifically for women. These funds can be used to start small grocery stores, beauty salons, or home-based businesses, allowing women to earn a living with dignity. By removing the financial barriers to entry, the state empowers women to become job creators rather than job seekers.
To make these microfinance schemes successful, the government must also provide business mentorship and marketing support to female entrepreneurs. Many women have the will to work but lack the market knowledge to make their businesses profitable in the long run. Creating women-only marketplaces or digital platforms where they can sell their products can significantly increase their household income. When a woman's entrepreneurial spirit is supported by the state, she becomes a role holder in her community, reducing the likelihood of being exploited by sex work networks.
Promoting Digital Literacy and Remote Work Opportunities
In the modern age, the digital economy offers a unique chance for Pakistani women to work from the safety of their homes. The government should launch digital literacy campaigns in smaller towns to teach women how to use the internet for freelancing and online selling. This is particularly important in a conservative society where many women face mobility issues or family restrictions regarding working outside the home. By bringing the global job market to their doorstep, the government can provide a safe alternative to traditional labor.
With the rise of e-commerce, women can be trained to manage online stores on platforms like Daraz or even international sites. The IT ministry should provide subsidized internet and affordable laptops to women who show potential in the tech sector. This move would not only help eliminate the sex worker culture but also contribute to the national GDP. When women are integrated into the knowledge economy, they are no longer viewed as liabilities but as productive citizens who contribute to the progress of Pakistan.
Ensuring Workplace Safety and Harassment-Free Environments
A major reason why many women avoid formal employment is the fear of workplace harassment and the lack of a safe environment. If the government wants women to choose legal jobs over the risks of the sex trade, it must strictly enforce the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act. Many women feel that the judicial system is too slow or biased, which prevents them from reporting abuse in offices or factories. Strengthening legal protections will give women the courage to enter the mainstream workforce without fearing for their honor or safety.
The government should also mandate that all public and private organizations provide daycare centers and safe transport for female employees. Often, a woman chooses illegal activities because she cannot afford a babysitter or find a secure commute to a regular job. By solving these logistical hurdles, the state makes it "easy" for women to stay in the formal sector. A supportive environment is just as important as a high salary when it comes to keeping women away from exploitative professions.
The Role of Social Safety Nets and the Benazir Income Support Program
For those women who are living in extreme poverty, immediate financial assistance is necessary to prevent them from entering the sex trade. The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) should be expanded to include more marginalized women, especially those who are widowed or divorced. However, this cash transfer should be linked to skill acquisition, so women don't remain dependent on charity forever. The goal should be to provide a temporary cushion while the woman prepares for a permanent job.
In addition to cash, the government must provide universal healthcare and subsidized food rations to vulnerable families. Many women enter the call girl culture simply to pay for a child’s medical bills or a parent’s surgery. When the state takes responsibility for basic human rights, the pressure to earn "fast money" through immoral means decreases significantly. Strengthening the social contract between the government and its female citizens is a strategic move to cleanse the society of exploitation.
Changing Social Mindsets and Reducing Stigma
One of the biggest obstacles to women’s employment in Pakistan is the social stigma associated with women working in certain fields. If a woman is rejected by her community for wanting to work, she may feel that she has no choice but to join the hidden sex industry where she is already an outcast. The government must use mass media and educational reforms to promote the dignity of labor for women. We need to celebrate female achievers in every field, from construction workers to pilots, to change the national narrative.
Moreover, the rehabilitation of former sex workers is crucial for social harmony. Instead of shunning these women, the government should provide them with psychological counseling and a path back into decent society. By offering pardon and progress, the state can encourage many to leave the dark world of the sex trade and start a new life. A society that offers second chances is much more likely to eliminate organized vice than one that only offers punishment.
Legal Reforms and the Crackdown on Trafficking Networks
While employment opportunities are the long-term solution, the government must also use law enforcement to dismantle the criminal networks that run the sex trade. Many women are not in this profession by choice but are victims of trafficking or forced labor. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) needs more resources to track down online escort services and the "pimps" who exploit young girls. Strict legal penalties for those who facilitate the commercial sex trade will act as a strong deterrent.
It is important to distinguish between the exploited woman and the exploiter. The government’s legal framework should focus on punishing the traffickers and clients rather than further victimizing the women. By providing legal aid to women who want to escape these criminal circles, the government can break the power of the underworld. Integrating law enforcement with economic empowerment creates a two-pronged attack on the call girl culture that is far more effective than either method alone.
FAQs: Understanding the Path to Eliminating Sex Work in Pakistan
Why is employment more effective than police raids in stopping the sex trade?
Police raids often only provide temporary results because they don't address the underlying cause of the problem, which is financial desperation. When women have access to stable jobs and a steady income, they are much less likely to risk their lives and reputation in the sex industry. Providing economic alternatives removes the supply of workers that the illegal trade relies on to function.
What kind of jobs can uneducated women do to earn a respectable living?
Uneducated women can be trained in vocational skills such as commercial baking, textile work, indoor gardening, or professional cleaning services. The government can also promote cottage industries where women can produce handmade goods for local markets. With just a few months of practical training, even those without a school degree can become skilled workers in the hospitality or manufacturing sectors.
How does the digital economy help in reducing the call girl culture?
The digital economy allows women to access global income without the need for physical travel, which is often a barrier for vulnerable women. By working as virtual assistants, content creators, or online sellers, women can achieve financial freedom from their homes. This reduces the influence of local predators and gives women a modern platform to build a career based on talent rather than exploitation.
What can the government do for women who are already trapped in this profession?
The government should establish transition homes and shelter centers that provide safety, food, and job training for women who want to leave the sex trade. These centers should offer legal protection from their former exploiters and help them clear their criminal records if they were forced into the work. Providing a clear exit strategy is essential for reducing the population of sex workers in the country.
Is it possible for Pakistan to completely eliminate this culture?
While no country has completely eliminated the shadow economy, Pakistan can significantly reduce the sex worker culture by achieving gender equality in the workforce. When women's empowerment becomes a national priority and poverty levels are lowered, the sex trade loses its economic foundation. A combination of strong laws, quality education, and job creation can lead to a much cleaner and safer society for all.
Conclusion: A Future Built on Dignity and Opportunity
The journey toward eliminating the call girl culture in Pakistan is not a short one, but it is a journey that must begin with economic reform. By focusing on women's employment, the government can tackle the root causes of social vices rather than just treating the symptoms. When a woman has a bank account, a professional skill, and a safe workplace, she becomes an empowered member of the Pakistani society. This empowerment is the ultimate shield against exploitation and abuse.
Ultimately, the strength of a nation is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. By providing easy employment and financial security, the Pakistani government can ensure that no woman is forced to sell her dignity for a piece of bread. Let us work toward a Pakistan where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is equal, and every female citizen has the chance to live a life of respect and prosperity. This is the only way to build a truly Islamic and progressive state that stands tall in the modern world.
