Challenging the rhetoric of ‘showbiz jobs’: human rights and feminist perspectives on trafficked women from Lahore, Pakistan, to the UAE

This article investigates the trafficking of women into the sex trade under the guise of employment opportunities in the showbiz industry in Pakistan. I argue that in the context of Pakistan, the rhetoric of ‘showbiz jobs’ is often used as a cover for women’s trafficking. I interviewed twenty rescued victims residing in Lahore to gain a deeper understanding of the trafficking process, the complex criminal networks, and the experiences of the survivors. Thematic content analysis of the data drawn from the in-depth interviews was conducted through the lens of critical feminist theory to examine how patriarchal power structures and economic vulnerability contribute to women′s exploitation within trafficking networks. There is limited evidence-based research documenting instances of such human exploitation, thereby demonstrating a significant need for survivor-centred emperical research. The project contributes to feminist scholarship by examining survivors′ voices and focusing on the legal and policy responses to human trafficking. It also highlights the role of international treaties and state-led anti-trafficking initiatives. The findings reveal that trafficking networks exploit women's aspirations for employment, economic security, and social mobility, thereby hindering accountability and impeding legal intervention. The study concludes that stronger institutional oversight could significantly strengthen the country′s response to human trafficking.