Trading sex on Zamzama
As a regular commuter in this cauldron of mixed sights known as the metropolis of Karachi, I see diversity amidst the cacophony of ethnicity, race, language and cultural values and I also see the growing perpetual prostitution lining the streets of Zamzama – which has perhaps truly evolved as a one-stop shopping district. They say it’s the oldest profession in the world, but come what may in Karachi it seems to be the newest one. Somehow every street has become a rendezvous for a potential client and provider. Women continue to sell their bodies to earn a livelihood; admittedly this has ...
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Heera Mandi: A street corner by the mosque
Last week I visited Heera Mandi, Lahore’s red light district, which is situated right outside the Badshahi Masjid. Yes, ironic indeed. I didn’t actually go because I wanted to, but let me give some background. As a true newcomer to the city, I had to visit the famous beautiful masjid at least once — I’d been there twice before when I was younger, but its grandeur never ceases to amaze me. Per a friend’s suggestion, my husband and I went to Cooco’s Den right outside of the mosque, a beautiful intricately designed cafe that overlooks the masjid. As we entered the cafe, ...
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Heera Mandi: Scarlet secrets of Lahore
There is a bazaar in Taxali Gate called Heera Mandi. A few decades ago this place was famous for dancing and music. People used to go here for a visual and musical treat. Beautiful girls (kanjiries) used to sit in stall shaped balconies, called kothas, and ply their trade, the oldest profession in the world. The place was perhaps even more famous for singing and dancing. However, slowly the aesthetic pursuit became less arty and more tarty. The area became the centre of prostitution in Lahore. Most people have the misconception that the Diamond Market got its because of the beautiful girls who worked ...
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