What did we mean in the past when we heard that Pakistan is “no longer safe for women to live in?” We meant that the environment—whether it’s a city, town, workplace, university, or any public or private space—no longer offers women the freedom to express themselves, walk, or move without fear. It describes a setting where women’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is continuously at risk. This lack of safety manifests in various forms, including daily harassment, violence, discrimination, or the pervasive threat of harm, leaving women feeling vulnerable, threatened, or unwelcome.
There was a time when we would hear that “Pakistan is not safe for women,” and some dismissed it as an issue confined to big cities, saying, “Lahore is not safe for women.” But now, it is evident that this problem extends everywhere, including our universities—places meant for education, growth, and socialization. It is time to break the silence and acknowledge that no place in our society is truly safe for women until we confront and change the conditions that make them feel unsafe.
It’s staggering to consider how society remains silent and normalizes distressing statistics related to sexual violence. According to reports, the total number of gang-rape cases registered in Pakistan over the last three years was 11,160. Specifically, 4,637 gang-rape cases were reported in 2019, 4,133 in 2020, and 2,390 in 2021 (Dawn, 2022). These figures represent just the cases of rape, not addressing the daily harassment and struggles women face, particularly while using public and local transport.
The 2023 report by Dawn reveals a notable increase in harassment cases, with around 1,200 reported in the first half of the year alone. Furthermore, The Express Tribune highlighted that approximately 30% of women surveyed in major cities experienced harassment in public spaces in 2023.
These statistics only scratch the surface, as a significant number of women who face sexual or public harassment choose to remain silent. This silence often stems from feelings of self-blame or the fear of social stigma associated with speaking out. The reluctance to report or discuss such issues only perpetuates the cycle of violence and harassment. To effectively combat this issue, it’s crucial to address both reported and unreported cases.
It is becoming increasingly common to see young men on unregistered bikes harassing female students at public/government universities. Given the current circumstances, it is only a matter of time before news reports highlight rape cases within such institutions. Whether this behavior stems from a problematic mindset or some other form of desperation, it is deeply troubling. Such individuals fall short of being considered humans; even animals display more respect. Meanwhile, university administrations, councils, and politically backed student groups are often preoccupied with trivial disputes, creating a further distressing environment. The critical issue of harassment against women is frequently ignored. Imagine a major public university in our country where women face daily harassment—this is a reality that many men may find hard to grasp.
Additionally, some high government officials and journalists, when addressing these issues, resort to victim-blaming, often criticizing the attire of those raising concerns. For instance, when questioned about the tragic cases of a five-year-old girl raped in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (Dawn, 2024) and the six-year-old Zainab Amin from Kasur (Dawn, 2018), or the harrowing Motorway case where a woman was gang-raped and robbed in front of her children on the Lahore-Sialkot motorway, they deflect responsibility. How long will victim-blaming continue? Were these victims actively seeking disrespect or neglecting their own safety? Or are these just convenient excuses to avoid confronting the real issues at hand? Or is it that the society we’ve created is neither safe for women nor open to change?
We urge the higher authorities and university administrations to take stringent measures to address the alarming incidents of harassment. Implementing enhanced security protocols, regular checks, and effective monitoring systems are essential to ensure the safety of students and protect the institution’s reputation. At the same time, it is crucial for women to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves. Carrying personal safety devices, such as pepper spray or a personal alarm, can provide vital protection in threatening situations. Staying vigilant and maintaining a trusted network of friends or family who can be reached in case of emergency are also important measures. By combining institutional action with personal precautions, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all.
