A viral post about a young woman’s TikTok Live earnings has started a bigger conversation in Pakistan about social media’s effect on youth. The debate picked up steam after PML-N lawmaker Hina Parvez Butt, who also chairs the Punjab Women Protection Authority, strongly criticised TikTok Live culture.
The post that sparked it all featured a street interview where a woman said she earns money through TikTok Live and has around 80,000 followers. She claimed she had recently bought a Honda Civic worth Rs5 million from her earnings, and described wearing costly clothes and accessories. The post’s caption compared her story to well-known motivational speakers who spend their time teaching young people business and freelancing skills, suggesting many youngsters now prefer TikTok fame over education.
Hina Parvez Butt reposted this online and reacted sharply. She said the more indecency people spread on TikTok Live, the more money they make. She added that such content troubles her deeply and said many children now see these creators as role models. According to her, this trend is pushing young people to chase overnight riches instead of building real skills. She also said family vloggers and TikTok Live streamers are among the most harmful influences on children today, while noting that social media brings both benefits and harms.
The exchange reflects a wider divide in Pakistan, where livestreaming has become a real source of income for many, even as critics worry about its impact on younger audiences.
