Taboo: A PH. D. Girl in the Red Light Area


This book takes you on a journey of discovery into the famous red light district of Shahi Mohalla in Lahore. The author tells her story through the lives of the people linked to the Shahi Mohalla: the prostitutes with their pimps, managers and customers, as well as the musicians and others. Through their stories, the book also highlights the contributions that these people have made to the world of the performing arts. Pakistani society has created and reinforced many myths to explain why prostitution has nothing to do with 'nice people'. These myths put all the blame on 'immoral' women who are responsible for tricking 'honest' men into sinful acts. Pakistani society has also strongly discouraged anyone from questioning these myths. By exposing the myths about prostitution, the book helps to eradicate a blind spot in our understanding of power relations experienced by all women throughout Pakistani society.