The proliferation of digital prostitution in Pakistan has reached alarming levels. The term may come as a surprise to some, but its impact on our society is undeniable. The exploitation of women under the pretext of online earning, fashion blogging, or vlogging has become a pressing concern. The relentless pursuit of fame has led individuals to compromise their values and engage in questionable activities. Specifically, young women are vulnerable to exploitation as they seek to increase their online presence , more followers and views on social media platforms. Unfortunately, many young girls are compromising their moral values, cultural norms, and religious beliefs to engage in disgraceful activities. The misuse of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, is perpetuating obscenity. Although some individuals are creating content that aligns with our cultural standards, the majority of girls are exploiting their physical appearance and beauty to gain followers and earn money. Their desire for fame and wealth is leading them to compromise their values and willing to do anything for the sake of fame and fortune.
Pakistan, being a Muslim country, has accorded women a distinguished and esteemed position, granting them numerous rights and respect. Ironically, we are witnessing a contradictory scenario where, on one hand, we are advocating for justice in cases of gender-based violence,PGC Student Girl rap case (occurrence of rape is another debate) , and seeking justice in the motorway rape case and Zara murder case. Conversely, we have TikTokers, Actresses,YouTubers, content creators, and vloggers perpetuating vulgarity in our Muslim society, which raises profound concerns, particularly in a Muslim country like Pakistan.
Modern Pakistani girls are deviating from their religious teachings. The current generation’s role models and influencer are individuals like Ducky Bhai,Jannat Mirza, Sistrology and other social media influencers who promote and share their personal lives through vlogging. This trend has contributed to the erosion of moral values in our society, as people are more focused on emulating these influencers’ lifestyles rather than adhering to traditional religious principles. They people have become so entangled in the cycle of entertainment and making money that they no longer understand what is right and wrong. And people are blindly following them. This hunger for online money and followers is leading Pakistan towards prostitution. Where girls post videos on TikTok and Instagram, dominating their private parts to get views and likes by attracting people.
A recent incident involving Minahil Malik, a Pakistani TikToker, has come to light. Her private videos were leaked, and she initially denied their authenticity to FIA, but later she confirmed their validity. With a massive following of 8 million on social media, it’s alarming to consider the number of young Pakistani girls who looked up to her. Minahilengaged in inappropriate actions for financial gain with a Dubai businessman. Regrettably, many girls in Pakistan are following in her footsteps, exploiting their physical appearance and beauty to achieve popularity and wealth.
The phenomenon of digital prostitution is growing increasingly in Pakistan, fueled by social media influencers.The point is not that all girls on TikTok are bad, but rather that those who promote sexual activities to gain popularity and money are engaging in digital prostitution.As social media influencers, they have a vast following and are constantly being watched. Therefore, they should prioritize posting content that is beneficial to others, rather than solely focusing on entertainment. They must avoid crossing societal boundaries under the guise of entertainment. As role models, they have a responsibility to demonstrate positive qualities and promote moral values, ensuring that future generations mothers and daughters aspire to be more than just vloggers or TikTokers who only entertain society, but also understand and embody the principles of right and wrong in society.
These social media influencers have the potential to play a crucial role in combating digital prostitution in Pakistan, but regrettably, they are instead perpetuating and encouraging this phenomenon, thereby driving people towards it. The rise of digital prostitution in society, which is eroding our social fabric. People’s thoughts are now confined to such matters. While financial needs are universal, resorting to promoting sexual activities and crossing all boundaries to achieve this goal is not acceptable in Pakistani Muslim society where moral values and dignity are paramount.