The growing influence of social media in Pakistan, particularly among the youth, has led to troubling consequences, especially for young girls. A recent survey sheds light on a deeply concerning reality: between 2018 and 2022, over 223,000 girls in Pakistan became victims of exploitation after forming romantic relationships on Facebook. More disturbingly, more than 300,000 girls reportedly shared their private, often explicit, photos and videos with boys they trusted online. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent a silent crisis unfolding behind screens, where emotional vulnerability meets digital manipulation.
The survey also revealed that nearly 3,000 girls were lured into physical meetings by boys who professed love and made solemn promises, sometimes swearing on religious sentiments to gain trust. These encounters turned into horrific experiences where pornographic videos were secretly recorded and later used for blackmail. The victims, trapped in fear and shame, were coerced into providing money repeatedly and, in some extreme cases, forced to satisfy the lust of not only the perpetrator but also his circle of friends. The emotional, psychological, and physical trauma inflicted through these acts is immeasurable.
Many questions remain unanswered. How many girls were pushed to suicide under the weight of disgrace and blackmail? How many explicit videos are still circulating online, shared on platforms without the victim’s knowledge or consent? How many cases went unreported, buried under the fear of societal judgment or even more tragically, so-called honor killings by their own families? These stories often end in silence—either due to fear, coercion, or societal pressure—while the culprits remain free to prey on others.
This situation calls for reflection, both individually and as a society. It’s often said that one learns from their own mistakes and from observing the mistakes of others, but it is heartbreaking that despite the high number of such incidents, many girls continue to trust strangers online, risking their safety, dignity, and even their lives. A common belief that “my parents are not like that” may offer temporary comfort, but when disaster strikes, the realization often comes too late.
It is vital to understand that if non-mahram (unrelated) relationships were truly acceptable, they would have been made permissible in religious teachings. The boundaries defined in religion exist for protection, not restriction. Family members such as cousins, brothers-in-law, and uncles are recognized with limits for a reason. Trusting someone simply because they are polite on social media or say the right things is dangerous. The digital world is full of deception, and once an image or video is shared, it’s out of one’s control.
The issue is not about demonizing social media itself, but about using it wisely and with caution. If a girl chooses to build a connection online with genuine intentions, she must understand the gravity of that choice and the risks involved. Men are given the liberty in some contexts to marry up to four women, a reflection of biological differences that also places greater responsibility on women to safeguard their dignity. Whether in virtual interactions or real-life encounters, maintaining a respectful tone and clear boundaries with non-mahrams is crucial.
The message is simple yet urgent: value yourself, protect your dignity, and think critically before trusting anyone online. You owe it to yourself and your future to be cautious and wise.
