If you are a travel enthusiast, it won’t be easy to contain your passion for travelling and exploring new places. You will get to visit some places solo and the rest with groups. In this article, we will try to determine whether is Pakistan safe for women or not.
The safety of women has always been a problem in Pakistan, especially when they are travelling alone. Women prefer the developed cities of Pakistan because of better law and order.
If you keep asking yourself a simple question is Pakistan safe for women? The only answer to this question is YES. Long gone are the days when there were serious security threats in Pakistan.
Foreigners were afraid to come to Pakistan due to the threats. Tourists, whether male or female, consider Pakistan safe for travel currently.
Understanding the Context
Pakistan is a country famous all over the world for its great cultural diversity, traditions and festivals, food and architecture. Pakistan’s cultural landscape is a collage of identities and histories, with a population made up of many different races, languages, religions, and traditions.
Pakistan’s rich past, which extends back to ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley, is the primary source of the country’s cultural diversity.
The many empires that have shaped the region’s culture over the ages, notably the Mughal and British, have impacted language, art, architecture, and food. Pakistan is home to a multitude of ethnic groups, each with its language, traditions, and cultural practices.
Major ethnic groups in Pakistan include Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, and Mohajirs. While most people are Muslims in Pakistan, there are significant religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others.
Is Pakistan safe for women? Pakistan resolved the safety issue for women, which was a big problem in the past, to a greater extent now. There were numerous incidents in the region concerning the safety of women, both local and foreign.
The authorities imposed strict punishments and fines on the culprits and took all the essential measures to ensure the safety of women. Finally, the concerned authorities put the main issue to rest once and for all.
Most illiterate or narrow-minded people think that women only belong in the kitchen, and therefore, they just cannot bear the sight of women outside their homes. However, developed cities of Pakistan consider women safe, firstly due to the impact of education, surroundings, and a better law and order situation.
Current Safety Situation for Women
Denmark, Switzerland and Sweden are some of the safest destinations for women. Is Pakistan safe for women? The only answer to this question is YES. With each passing day, Pakistan, too, is getting safer and more secure for women.
If you are planning to visit Pakistan, don’t give it a second thought. Book your trip to Pakistan now without any hesitation. No matter if you are with a group or solo, the land of Pakistan is safe for you.
The law and order situation in Pakistan has been exceptional in the last few years for tourism. There has been an immense increase in the number of foreign visitors to Pakistan. In the past, authorities did not allow tourists to visit certain areas, but that is not the case anymore.
You can visit any tourist destination in Pakistan, whether it is Swat Valley, Naltar Valley, Borith Lake, Fairy Meadows or Khunjerab Pass.
CCTV cameras constantly monitor almost all cities of Pakistan through installation at different spots to ensure people’s safety. Moreover, police patrolling is common throughout the day and night for the safety of the people.
There is a list of numbers that you may contact in case of an emergency, whether you need medical assistance or guidance regarding anything. Lastly, the people of Pakistan are friendly and always willing to help people, whether they are foreigners or locals.
Safety in Major Cities
Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are the major cities in Pakistan. There are very few chances of a tourist visiting Pakistan not being able to visit any one of these cities.
You will surely get to see at least one of these as all these cities have an international airport. A large number of people reside in all these 3 cities.
Tourists are completely safe in these cities as there is a strict check and balance for everything. Immediate help or assistance is just a call away. These cities have no blind spots, as every corner of the city is monitored all the time.
Educated and cooperative people welcome tourists, whether you are a local or a foreigner. All other cities in Pakistan are also safe for travellers if you are planning to visit them.
Over time, law enforcement agencies have made use of modern-day technology in every corner of Pakistan to make it as safe as possible. That’s why there is no answer left to is Pakistan safe for Women.
In the past, security threats prevented tourists and even locals from visiting specific areas in Pakistan. But this is not the case now; you can visit any place in Pakistan, although you will need to dress appropriately and respect the culture of the local people.
For instance, if you are travelling to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, you cannot think of travelling without dressing appropriately. Almost every woman in this region wears a burqa. Covering your head with a shawl or piece of cloth is always necessary for females.
Men should try to wear a shalwar kameez or jeans. Shorts should be avoided at all costs. If you intend to stay in a metropolitan city like Lahore, Islamabad or Karachi, you can choose to wear Western attire based on your gathering.
Cultural Norms and Their Impact
The people residing in Pakistan are tied to the cultural norms and traditions that have been followed for years. Therefore, cultural norms and traditions have a huge impact on the lives of both genders.
You have to follow the tradition and culture no matter what happens. Likewise, cultural norms significantly impact the travelling of women alone or with a group.
The dress code is the most important factor. In some places, people don’t allow women to travel alone after sunset to ensure their safety. Everything is deeply influenced by the culture, starting from choosing the appropriate tourist destination, the mode of transportation, the accommodation for staying and even the smallest things to ensure their safety.
For a woman who loves to explore new places, there is a major difference between the people of urban and rural areas.
Urban areas are more advanced and equipped with modern-day technologies. At the same time, people living in developed cities are not too rigid about their culture. They are aware that things have changed with time, and they need to adopt them to survive in this world.
On the other hand, people living in rural areas prefer to follow their traditional culture by all means. There is always societal pressure that impacts every decision regarding every aspect of life. The role of tradition and modernity in shaping safety perceptions can vary depending on culture and social aspects.
Traditional values and cultural norms often dictate behaviours and attitudes towards safety. Traditional rituals and practices may incorporate safety measures or beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
People may be resistant to change due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs or fear of disrupting established customs. On the other hand, modernity often brings technological advancements that enhance safety perceptions.
Innovations such as advanced safety equipment and surveillance systems can provide a sense of security. Modern societies have greater access to information about safety risks and precautions through various channels such as media and the internet.
Government and Legal Framework
The government of Pakistan is committed to providing an environment where women, whether local or foreign, don’t feel any sort of threat from anyone. They are bent on making Pakistan secure completely for women and have been successful in achieving their desired results so far.
Various laws were promulgated to empower the women living in this state. Some of them are:
- The Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010, is for the prevention and protection of women against harassment in the workplace.
- The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act 2011 prohibits several oppressive and discriminatory customs practised towards women in Pakistan.
Pakistan is a safe state for tourists and residents. This is due to the untiring efforts of the law enforcement agencies. For the sake of promoting peace in Pakistan, the police and other concerned authorities have gone beyond their limits.
The ultimate goal is to serve the people in an exemplary manner. The rapid response by the authorities to several complaints in the past is solid proof of their dedication to their service towards people.
With the use of advanced technology and modern techniques, the concerned authorities have been able to deliver efficiently. The government of Pakistan is on a mission to revive the country’s tourism sector. They are aware that they can increase tourism by providing adequate safety and services to foreign and local travellers.
To address this issue, the government has taken various initiatives to ensure the safety of women at the national and provincial levels. Several policies have been made over time to facilitate women and ensure their safety in Pakistan.
Role of NGOs and Human Rights Organizations
There are several small and large voluntary organisations and non-governmental groups functioning across the various regions of Pakistan. Overall, NGOs and Human Rights organisations have played a leading role in ensuring the safety of women throughout Pakistan.
In Pakistan, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) dedicated to the rights of women began to flourish in 1980. A significant number of NGOs focus on community development issues at the local district levels, even if the majority of international NGOs are well-represented throughout the nation.
While some carry out national-level projects and programs, others operate at the provincial level. These organisations are working to answer is Pakistan safe for women.
Shirkat Gah is a non-profit organisation that has been working for women’s empowerment in Pakistan since 1975. The organisation helps women with the discrimination they face in everyday life.
They help women according to the Women in Distress and Detention Fund Act, which recognises that “financial assistance shall be provided to the women who are facing extreme hardship. Aurat Foundation was established in 1986 under the Societies Registration Act 1860 as a non-governmental organisation.
It’s working for women’s empowerment and democratic governance. It’s working for political and economic women empowerment and violence against women, and it also helps women in relief and rehabilitation and accessing justice and legal rights.
Currently, the Aurat Foundation is working on many projects, including the gender equity program, Waseela-e-Taleem, etc.
Tips for Female Travelers
Pakistan is safe for foreign travellers, but for your safety, it is advised to be vigilant at all times. You can try to follow these hacks and have a memorable journey. First of all, try to dress modestly, which means you need to dress according to the culture of the area.
This will give you an edge as people will respect you as they will believe you have shown respect to their culture. Secondly, try to move in groups and don’t talk to strangers.
Moreover, try to travel in the daytime and return before the sun sets. Avoid eating anything from a stranger or getting too comfortable with them. However, there is no harm in having a decent conversation with them. Try to carry some change with you at all times.
A local SIM is always handy as you can contact people you know in case you get lost. Do keep several photocopies of your visa with you as they might be needed.
Avoid travelling alone at night to places that are too quiet and shy of people. Almost everyone in Pakistan will be willing to help you with anything because people understand the importance of tourism, and most importantly, they realise that their attitude is the reflection of the whole country.
You can contact us at the emergency numbers at any time if you encounter any problems during your journey, whether it is a medical emergency or anything else.
Assistance will be provided within a short period. Rescue 1122 is operational every time and is just a call away. Likewise, the police of the specified area can also be contacted through a call at 15.
Empowerment and Awareness
In Pakistan, women’s empowerment has become a major focus in recent times. An incredible transition in cultural views, policies, and efforts aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening women across all sectors has occurred despite many obstacles.
Education is one of the main pillars of women’s empowerment. Pakistan has seen a rise in the percentage of female literacy throughout time. The goal of closing the gender gap in education has been actively worked toward by the government and non-governmental groups.
Microfinance initiatives, vocational training programs, and support for women entrepreneurs have been pivotal in enhancing economic opportunities for women in Pakistan.
Women are now participating in various sectors of the economy, from agriculture to technology, and making significant contributions to national development.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the representation of women in the political process. Efforts to encourage women to participate in elections, coupled with reserved seats for women in local government bodies, have contributed to a more inclusive political landscape.
To dismiss the concerns of people regarding is Pakistan safe for women, the government initiated various educational programs and campaigns at the provincial and national levels to educate women in Pakistan for a better future tomorrow.
Moreover, various companies have also launched campaigns in different capacities to educate women as well. They provide classes and offer to teach various skills as well.
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Hunza, Murree, Swat, Fairy Meadows and many more are on the list. So don’t forget to visit our website and let us help you plan a memorable trip. To conclude, we think we have shared enough information to answer your question Is Pakistan safe for women?
Conclusion
Is Pakistan safe for women? The answer is YES. Pakistan is a safe country for solo travellers, whether you are a male or a female. However, we strongly emphasise that females dress moderately while they are in Pakistan.
By following the dress code, you are showing respect for the culture of that particular area, which is considered important in Pakistan. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about as long as you follow the guidelines shared earlier in the article.
The people of Pakistan are very hospitable toward foreign tourists. The issue of the safety of women in Pakistan has been resolved completely by the relevant agencies.
Pakistan is looking to boost its tourism sector by providing all the necessary facilities to travellers. So don’t miss out on a chance to discover the natural wonders of Pakistan.
