In various parts of South Asia, leather products are often seen as a sign of affluence. These are troubled times in Pakistan with rising fears of Talibanization of the nation. But there may be hope yet, in the form of leather. [NYT]
Pakistanis become major exporter of leather fetish goods
img: via NYT
deep in the nation’s commercial capital, just next door to a mosque and the offices of a radical Islamic organization, in an unmarked house two Pakistani brothers have discovered a more liberal and lucrative use for the scourge: the $3 billion fetish and bondage industry in the West.
Their mom-and-pop-style garment business, AQTH, earns more than $1 million a year manufacturing 2,000 fetish and bondage products, including the Mistress Flogger, and exporting them to the United States and Europe.
Which brings us to an all important question – is the Mistress Flogger, used by the mistress or on the mistress?
The secret to this million dollar business catering to sex products flourishing in a conservative Pakistani society? Don’t ask, don’t tell and partly because most people in that part of the world, particularly among the blue collar class do not understand the significance of these products.
“If our mom knew, she would disown us,” said Adnan, seated on a leopard-print fabric covering his desk chair.
Besides ticked off mommas and begums, their business also faces growing opposition from radical Islamists, the crumbling economy and political instability.
The brothers idolize former President Pervez Musharraf, crediting their success to his industry friendly policies, like not requiring export licenses and banning trade unions.
Since President Asif Ali Zardari took office, Adnan said, trade unions have been legalized and prices of some raw materials, including leather, have shot up, as have interest rates. The result: a 15 percent dip in AQTH’s profits.
The General’s policies were supportive of the adult entertainment industry in America and Europe? Who would’ve guessed? From humble beginnings in a mosquito infested factory to stumbling across an adult product that inspired this business to using Pakistan’s antiquated production technology to their advantage, their rise to success had been an intriguing tale.
And who buys these goods in the West? Apparently, the leather brothers have done their research and concluded that a majority of their clientele comprise of Obama supporters and tourists to Amsterdam.
Today, they sell their products to online and brick-and-mortar shops, and to individuals via eBay. Their market research, they said, showed that 70 percent of their customers were middle- to upper-class Americans, and a majority of them Democrats. The Netherlands and Germany account for the bulk of their European sales.
Of course, working in this business has its perks.
A major perk, they say, is attending international fetish shows to see how their products hold up in action.
To think that a lot of people from all over the world pay to travel to to Vegas to watch these products in action. These Pakistani guys get to do it every year, most likely for free.
“I go to Sin City every year,” said Rizwan, referring to Las Vegas in a sheepish laugh. It’s all business, he said. “Clients know our country and culture, and they don’t invite us to participate. We’re a little bit shy.”
Of course, nothing cures shyness like a leather mask and whip.
Thoughts? Comments? 
Looks like you are one of our regular visitors. Here is our RSS feed, just another way to keep up with the new posts.
Loading ...