Pakistani actor Nadia Jamil has issued a powerful call to action against the growing crisis of child prostitution in Pakistan, demanding that authorities, civil society, and citizens confront this “normalized” abuse. Her plea comes after a viral video where she passionately described the scale of exploitation.
In the video, Jamil referred to an investigative report in Lahore and other cities, which exposed nine child prostitution dens via hidden-camera footage. She said the victims ranged from 7 to 16 years old, leaving her “heartbroken” by the footage she watched.
Jamil emphasized that child abuse is not limited to brothels:
“We have this disease … we turn our eyes away and it’s taking the lives of our children,” she said, calling on society to “stand up for our kids.”
She also challenged selective outrage in public discourse. In the viral speech, she asked, “If we cannot act against child abuse, then why do we raise our voices on other practices?”
Her warning was chilling: exploited children often internalize abuse as their only fate. Jamil revealed that many minors are abused in truck depots, coal mines, factories, schools, homes, not just in dens.
Drawing on previous activism, Jamil also referenced her own experience: she previously opened up about harassment by a prominent director, underscoring her longstanding commitment to speaking out.
She urged a systemic response, stronger enforcement, coordinated reforms, and national urgency. Citing Pakistan’s obligations under international law (like the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child), she said: It’s time for real action, not just rhetoric.
Nadia Jamil says protecting children must be Pakistan’s top priority, zero tolerance, no excuses.
