Islamabad:
Currently, the Federal Capital lacks any operational government shelter for working women, a situation that has increased the challenges faced by professionals who need safe and affordable accommodation.
According to an official source, the Nusrat shelter in the G-6 sector, which previously served as a residence for working women, became a child protection center, which is not functional either today. Similarly, the personnel welfare hostel in the G-7 sector was unemployed approximately three months ago and has not yet been reopened.
The working women published in several government departments, medical care institutions and educational organizations have expressed concern about the lack of residential facilities in Islamabad. “Asequible accommodation is a basic need. Without official shelters, we have to look for costly private options that are not always safe,” said Sadia Khan, a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa school teacher. “Many of us come from distant areas and we have no relatives here. Every month, an important part of our salaries is spent for rent, which makes it difficult to management other expenses,” he said.
Samina Ali, a Punjab Junior government officer, shared her concern saying: “When they transferred me to Islamabad, I assumed that there would be support from the shelter. But despite repeated consultations, there is no clear response or a timeline to reopen these facilities.” He added that remaining in private shelters comes with its own set of challenges, which include limited facilities, frequent increases in rents and lack of adequate security.
Farzana Bibi, a nurse who works in a public hospital, said: “We work long shifts and need a safe place to rest. Living in shared private accommodations is not ideal or always sure. Government’s support in this regard would be much appreciated.” She emphasized that for working women of health and essential personnel who often work with night duties, proximity and security are vital concerns that only official facilities can guarantee.
When it was contacted, the National Assembly Member Shahida Rehmani, former president of the Senate Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Senator Sherry Rehman recognized the issue and underlined the need for adequate residential arrangements for professional women in the capital.
They expressed their commitment to raise the matter in relevant forums, emphasizing that a safe and affordable life environment plays an important role in supporting women’s participation in the workforce.
The people and interested parties have urged the relevant authorities to take the necessary measures for the rebirth of the previously functional shelters and the establishment of new facilities to address the growing number of working women in Islamabad.
