La-whore: The Dirty Secrets From Pakistan's Sex Capital

Transgenders in Pakistan have been in the news for only the wrong reasons. They are tortured, marginalised and generally under represented. A video of a "jajja badmash" beating and torturing a hapless and terrorised transgender made for a painful viewing. The State, despite a sense of sympathy, has nothing but apathy for the transgenders. There are limited employment opportunities and for some even their family members do not extend much support. Due to the aforesaid reasons, a large segment of transgenders end up providing dance, mujra and sexual services in order to sustain themselves. Some have, however mastered the art as you will see below. Lahore has generally been ambivalent towards this gender and has permitted it to go on with its promiscuous ways. They own houses, flats and can generally roam around even though there is some occasional interference in the form of police brutality. Generally the first time you will see a transgender in Lahore will be on the...

The most visible part of prostitution in Lahore is perhaps the street hookers that adorn the streets of posh areas of Lahore at night. A regular of these street hookers noted that "... the art of these girls is that they standout in such a way that a trained eye can locate them from a afar at the same time avoiding attention of the ordinary passers by.  Lahore has remained, continues to exercise a tolerance towards these workers of the night. They are usually on the main streets of the city, but generally in the shade of a tree or a sign board.  An escort negotiating with a client on Mall Road. Generally speaking prostitutes operate in pairs. They generally do this for their protection and safety. They are however comfortable in going alone with a customer if they feel comfortable enough. A group of call girls negotiate with customers on a bike. They often work in co-operation with rikshaw drivers, who are there for their transportation - if required. A p...