Pakistani actress Nadia Jamil has sparked conversation after drawing attention to the silent epidemic of child prostitution in the country.
She questioned why public discourse often focuses on LGBTQ rights while the sexual exploitation of minors remains largely ignored.
In a video that went viral on social media, Nadia Jamil addressed a group of young girls, highlighting the harsh realities of child abuse in Pakistan. She said the issue spans across homes, schools, and workplaces, yet few are willing to speak up.
The actress cited a journalist’s investigation in Lahore and other cities, which revealed nine child prostitution dens through hidden camera footage. Children aged 7 to 16 were reportedly being exploited in these dens, leaving Jamil “heartbroken” after witnessing the videos.
Widespread abuse across society
Jamil emphasized that sexual exploitation of minors is not limited to prostitution dens. She revealed that child abuse occurs at:
Truck depots, where minors are forced into sexual exploitation
Coal mines and factories, where boys are abused by multiple men
Educational institutions and homes, where children are also at risk
The actress shared the grim reality that exploited children often accept their circumstances as inevitable, citing the example of boys at truck depots and mines who see little choice in life.
Becoming emotional during her speech, Jamil questioned society’s selective outrage. She noted that while many people raise their voices on LGBTQ issues, few speak against child abuse and exploitation, which she said has been normalized in many communities.
“If we cannot act against child abuse, then why do we raise our voices on other practices?” Jamil asked. Her remarks aim to prompt both awareness and action on one of the country’s most urgent social crises.
