Islamabad:
The federal capital is currently lacking any operational state hostel for working women, a situation that has added the challenges facing female professionals are in need of safe and affordable accommodation.
According to an official source, Nusrat Hostel in Sector G-6, which previously served as a dwelling for working women, was transformed into a girls’ protection center, which is also not functional at the moment. Similarly, the staff Welfare Women Hostel in Sector G-7 was vacated for approx. three months ago and has not yet been reopened.
Work women published in various government departments have expressed concern about the lack of housing facilities in Islamabad. “Affordable accommodation is a basic need. Without official hostels, we are left to search for expensive private opportunities that are not always safe,” said Sadia Khan, a school teacher from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Many of us come from distant areas and do not have relatives here. Every month, a large part of our salaries are spent on rent, making it difficult to manage other expenses,” she said.
Samina Ali, a junior government officer from Punjab, shared his concern about saying, “When I was transferred to Islamabad, I assumed there would be hostel support. But despite repeated studies, there is no clear response or timeline for reopening these facilities.” She added that staying at private hostels comes with her own set of challenges, including limited facilities, frequent rent increases and lack of proper security.
Farzana Bibi, a nurse working in a public hospital, noticed, “We work long shifts and need a safe place to rest. Living in common private accommodation is neither ideal nor always secure. Government support in this regard would be greatly appreciated.” She emphasized that for female health workers and significant staff who often work night tasks, proximity and safety are important concerns that only official facilities can ensure.
When he was contacted, Member National Assembly Shahida Rehmani, former Senate chairman Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Senator Sherry Rehman recognized the question and emphasized the need for appropriate housing arrangements for female professionals in the capital.
They expressed their obligation to raise the case on relevant forums and emphasized that a safe and affordable life environment plays an important role in supporting women’s participation in the workforce.
Concerned persons and stakeholders have called on the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to revive previous functional hostels and establish new facilities to meet the increasing number of working women in Islamabad.
