The Rise of Digital Platforms in the Sex Trade
With the expansion of digital platforms, the sex trade in Pakistan has taken on a new form. Platforms like WeLive and Chato provide a space where women, often seeking financial stability, engage with paying users in real-time. These services mimic the concept of OnlyFans, widely popular in the West, where content creators offer exclusive material in exchange for a fee.
OnlyFans has revolutionized online sex work by allowing individuals to monetize their content directly without intermediaries. This model has been replicated in Pakistan with services like WeLive and Chato, where women can interact with users through live video chats, accepting tips and gifts in exchange for private moments. The appeal of these platforms lies in their perceived autonomy—women can work from home, set their own hours, and earn significantly more than traditional jobs.
One particularly interesting discovery made by our researchers was that many of the same women appear across multiple chat platforms. A closer look at these apps revealed striking similarities in interface and user experience—apart from the name, the layout and features are almost identical. This suggests that the industry is less about individual platforms and more about an interconnected digital ecosystem that maximizes earnings for its participants.
Another major draw for these women is the ability to access a global audience. Unlike traditional work in Pakistan, where opportunities are limited by geography, digital sex work allows women to earn money from users in wealthier nations. The anonymity provided by these platforms further fuels their appeal. Women feel protected behind a digital screen, believing they are in control of their interactions. They can turn the chat off at any time, unlike in traditional workplaces where harassment can feel inescapable. This sense of control, though empowering, is not always as secure as it seems—privacy breaches and exposure remain real risks.
While these platforms offer a sense of independence, they also come with hidden dangers. The illusion of safety in digital anonymity does not always hold up in a country like Pakistan, where leaked content can have devastating consequences for a woman’s personal and social life. Despite this, many women feel emboldened by the fact that they are their own bosses, escaping the restrictive norms of the conventional workplace where harassment and rigid hierarchies often leave them feeling powerless.
Queen’s Story: A Harsh Reality
On one of the platforms above we spoke to a girl who goes by the name Queen. She lives in Karachi with her five sisters and a father struggling to find stable work. Without any brothers to contribute to the household, the financial burden fell on her. With limited job prospects, she believed this was the only way she could make a meaningful contribution.
“You go on the chat service, work for the company, and try to keep the men on as long as possible. Eventually, they ask you to show parts of your body, and many of us oblige because that’s what pays. Sometimes we receive gifts, and other times the only wages we receive come from the platform itself.”
However, in a deeper conversation, Queen revealed something crucial—she was largely unaware of the career opportunities available to women in Pakistan. When asked about the growing number of women in teaching and technology, she appeared uncertain about how to access those jobs. It became clear that, while desperation played a role in her decision, a lack of information about alternative paths also contributed.
The Societal Impact of Digital Sex Work
Pakistan’s attitudes toward sex work are deeply rooted in religion, conservatism, and patriarchy. While sex work is condemned in religious and cultural contexts, the economic realities push many women into this trade. The contradiction is stark—while society outwardly shames such work, the demand for it persists.
Conservative values dictate that women should uphold modesty, yet there is a thriving underground digital economy where men seek out these services. Many women find themselves in a difficult position, caught between societal expectations and financial survival.
Addressing the Root Causes: Economic and Social Reforms
The rise of digital sex work is a symptom of a larger issue—economic instability and gender inequality. Many women do not enter this line of work by choice but out of necessity. If safer, better-paying jobs were available, fewer women would feel compelled to turn to these platforms.
Addressing these issues requires systemic change. Governments and organizations must focus on creating more employment opportunities for women, ensuring fair wages, and expanding access to education. More importantly, information about these opportunities must be made widely accessible. Vocational training programs and outreach efforts can bridge the gap, ensuring that women like Khadija know they have options beyond the digital sex industry.
Final Thoughts
The digital sex trade in Pakistan is complex, existing at the intersection of economics, gender disparity, and technological advancement. While platforms like WeLive and Chato provide an avenue for financial relief, they also pose ethical dilemmas and risks.
For women like Khadija, the issue is not just about earning money but about the lack of viable alternatives and information. Until structural inequalities and awareness gaps are addressed, many women will continue to turn to these platforms, not out of choice, but out of necessity and misinformation.
