Safety of women in Rawalpindi: a crisis of public conscience

Rawalpindi:In the heart of Pakistan’s historic Potohar region lies Rawalpindi, a city brimming with heritage, bustling markets, and a resilient population. Yet behind the city’s vibrant façade is a troubling and persistent issue—women’s safety in public and private spaces remains alarmingly fragile.

“Despite being one of the country’s most significant urban centres, Rawalpindi has seen a disturbing rise in incidents of harassment against women. From the commercial streets of Saddar to the alleys of Satellite Town, stories abound of women being jeered,” says Rida Zainab.

“What should evoke outrage is too often dismissed as routine behaviour or brushed aside as an unavoidable aspect of life in a busy city. Many women simply adapt avoiding public transport after dark, altering their routes to avoid specific areas, or dressing less provocatively in the hope of being left alone. This, of course, is not a solution—it is a symptom of a deeper, systemic failure,” says Rubab Ali.

“Law enforcement, though present, is frequently ineffective. Many women do not report harassment due to fear of victim-blaming, lengthy bureaucratic procedures, or simple lack of trust in the police. When complaints are filed, they rarely lead to convictions, emboldening perpetrators and discouraging survivors from seeking justice,” says Fatima Noor.

“Urban infrastructure, too, contributes to this unsafe environment. Poor street lighting, lack of CCTV surveillance in key areas, and inadequate women-friendly public spaces further exacerbate the risks. Public transport—especially wagons and rickshaws—are often hotspots for harassment, with little to no accountability mechanisms in place,” says Kosar Abbas.

“However, change is possible. It begins with acknowledging that safety is not a privilege, but a right. The Rawalpindi city administration must invest in comprehensive urban safety plans with a gender lens—improved lighting, women-only transport options, and community policing are just the start. Educational institutions must embed gender sensitivity in curricula, while media should responsibly highlight cases of abuse, not sensationalize them,” says Muthara Hussain.

“Perhaps most critically, the societal mindset needs to shift. Men must be active participants in this dialogue-not as protectors of women, but as allies in creating a culture that respects consent, dignity, and equality,” says Kalsoom Zahra.

“Rawalpindi’s women are not asking for special treatment. They are demanding the basic right to exist freely and safely in their own city. Their demand is not radical. What is radical, and deeply unjust, is that this right continues to be denied,” says Kaneez Zainab.

Nargis Hasan says, “While Rawalpindi has made strides in enhancing women’s safety through various initiatives, the rising incidents of street crime underscore the need for continued vigilance and community involvement. The establishment of dedicated protection centres and the deployment of safety squads are commendable steps, but sustained efforts are essential to ensure a secure environment for all residents.”