A story posted on edstrong.blog-city.com examines how the prostitution industry has grown in Pakistan. The story sites reports that claim that “since the period of civilian rule ended in 1977, times have changed and now the sex industry is bustling” in this Islamic region. The efforts of religious groups and the government to stop prostitution in hot spots such as the “Taxali Gate” district of Lahore by relocating hookers and their families had a positive effect on the targeted areas. However, the displaced prostitutes have continued to practice their trade in their new locations, and this has created a growth in the sex trade in many of Pakistan’s more urban areas, according to these reports.
Prostitutes in some areas of Pakistan are available to locals for as little as $6 American money (400 rupees), and these same services are available to foreign clients, but at a higher price. According to the edstrong.blog-city.com story, it’s also rumored that some TV stars and actresses are available as well for sex for pay, but the cost is greater and one would need “good contacts” to set up such an encounter.
The story names poverty and lack of opportunities for women as a major contributing factor to the rise in prostitution in Pakistan stating that, “widows find themselves on the streets with mouths to feed, and for many prostitution offers a quick fix. A local Pakistani prostitute can earn 2,000 to 3,000 rupees per day compared to the average monthly income of 2,500 rupees.”