In cities across the world, the ability to move freely after dusk is a privilege many take for granted. For countless women in Pakistan, this simple act is fraught with fear and complexity. As the sun sets, an altered reality emerges—even the most routine travel, such as heading home from work or university, becomes a challenge.

With rapid urbanization, glaring challenges surface for women, particularly regarding their safety and agency while navigating city spaces. Statistics reveal that around 40% of women in Pakistan avoid travelling after sunset. Interviews with young women commuting regularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi highlight a profound interplay of structural and societal barriers that limit their mobility and undermine their sense of autonomy and security.

Among the most cited concerns is the presence of darkness, which acts as a powerful amplifier of fear. For Amna, who travels daily from her workplace in Blue Area to Rawalpindi, the absence of adequate lighting causes perpetual anxiety. She shared:

“At certain places, there are no proper lights, particularly in Rawalpindi. The darkness makes you feel scared, even if you’re just walking back home.”

This sentiment is widely shared. Other respondents noted that poor lighting heightens their vulnerability. Maria, a recent graduate, explained that she avoids narrow, dimly lit streets—even when they offer a quicker way home:

“There’s a shorter route to my house, but I avoid it because it’s not open or well-lit. I don’t find it safe, so I opt for the longer route,........

© The Spine Times