The vibrant nation of Pakistan stands out with its sprawling urban landscapes. Mobility in this nation is nuanced, with both genders facing challenges due to economic and societal factors in the public transit area. The chords of patriarchy reverberate not only through the lanes of Pakistan but resonate globally, delineating the spaces and spheres where women can tread. Emerging from her home, a Pakistani woman’s journey is further complicated by traditional roles and societal perceptions tethered to family honor and domestic responsibilities. Venturing into public spaces or aboard public conveyances brings forth concerns over their personal boundaries and safety. 

Societal Constructs 
The social fabric in Pakistan is intricately woven, placing restrictions on women’s interactions, particularly when it brings them close to the men outside their family circle. Such interactions are fraught with apprehension, societal judgment, and the omnipresent fear of unsolicited attention, curtailing their aspirations in professional, educational, and other independent endeavors. It diminishes their avenues, in work and moments of reprieve, tethered by constraints of time, geography, and environment. Put succinctly, it circumscribes their movement, denying them the power to decide their own trajectory. Such impediments not only stifle women’s freedom but also cast a shadow on the nation’s economic progress and international repute.
Security Concerns
Within Pakistan’s urban arteries, countless narratives unfold regarding women’s unsettling experiences on public transport. Many recount the unwelcoming touch of a stranger, the lingering gaze of another passenger, or the unsolicited attention from those in charge of their transit, be it conductors or drivers. Ladies in their pursuit of public transportation, confront unique obstacles distinct from their male counterparts. Their journey, whether it is the walk towards transit stations, moments spent awaiting their bus or wagon at the stop, or during the journey itself, is often shadowed by concerns for personal security. This atmosphere of anxiousness contributes to an environment where women’s mobility becomes not just a matter of choice but of freedom from danger. 
Infrastructure and Accessibility
The country’s infrastructural foundation presents additional challenges. Public transportation systems often fall short of catering to the unique needs of female travelers. Excessive congestion, an absence of secure environments, and sparse connections, especially in more remote regions, deter numerous women from undertaking journeys. It is observed that most females preferring public transit are the ones who have cultural prohibitions against them utilizing bicycles or motorcycles, and the economic constraints preventing personal vehicle ownership. In rural and even pre-urban areas, women often confront a dearth of accessible public transport. The capricious timetables and saturated conditions further impede their ability to utilize these services. Furthermore, in numerous regions, the financial disparity between genders renders women’s earnings lesser than their male counterparts. This economic chasm makes it increasingly arduous for them to shoulder daily transit expenses or invest in more secure transportation alternatives. Additionally, safety on public conveyances, particularly during nocturnal hours, remains a significant concern for them. The government has acknowledged these apprehensions, instigating gender-specific areas within buses and wagons. Yet, the quest for enhanced safety and comfort in Pakistan’s public transportation persists for women. As a consequence, many are gravitating towards alternative means, such as rickshaws, qingqis, or ride-hailing services. Nonetheless, even these alternatives present societal acceptance issues for a notable proportion of women. 
Transformative Endeavors for Female Mobility
In a distinguished pursuit of reshaping women’s mobility, a series of notable initiatives have been undertaken. Foremost among these is the esteemed ‘Pink Scooty Scheme’, unveiled in 2022 by the Punjab Government. Stemming from a vision conceived two years before to champion women’s empowerment, this initiative has remarkably enhanced the convenience and accessibility for numerous women. The scheme graces its meritorious recipients with electric scootys, the cost of which is borne by the government, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
This laudable program is not solely for working women, it also addresses the commuting challenges faced by our academic aspirants, ensuring no female student forsakes her education due to the transport concerns. The Punjab Traffic Police, in their commitment to this cause, furnish training, while the Punjab Police pledge to uphold the security of these women. By liberating them from dependence on vans, buses, and other traditional transit means, they can now allocate their time more constructively.
A recent feather in the cap of these endeavors is Karachi’s ‘Pink Bus Service’ launched by the Sindh Government on February 1, 2023. These distinguished buses, boasting a capacity of 50 passengers, traverse diverse routes throughout the city. Thoughtfully designed, they feature seating for our special needs sisters and are stewarded by female hostesses, ensuring a commute at regular 20-minute intervals during the peak hours. With an all-female crew and superior amenities, these buses guarantee women a journey characterized by comfort, safety, and dignity. Women, irrespective of their age or profession, are empowered to effortlessly accomplish their daily tasks.
What Can Be Done to Better the Public Transport Experience for Women?
For a comprehensive and more inclusive approach to public transportation, it is imperative to perpetuate the expansion of our public transport networks, ensuring that the emphasis is on offering high-caliber services with minimized crowding. An essential stride towards this enhancement is the meticulous establishment and promotion of consistent schedules across all services. A harmonized collaboration with operators to guarantee adherence/compliance to these schedules will not only amplify the convenience and efficiency of the transport system but also substantially diminish waiting periods. This is crucial as waiting durations are often the intervals where women are most vulnerable to feelings of insecurity and potential harassment.
A pivotal component to improvement is the education of drivers and conductors concerning sexual harassment. Comprehensive training should encapsulate the ethical standards expected of these professionals, as well as equip them with the tools and knowledge to counter passenger-induced harassment. Both governmental bodies and operators bear the responsibility to perpetually assess the staff’s adherence to these standards, ensuring that their actions are in alignment with the set expectations.
There’s an evident gap in peri-urban areas where public transport remains sparse. However, there exists an opportunity to collaborate with the informal operators currently serving these regions. By fostering partnerships, we can ensure a dependable, albeit lower frequency transport system, under a widely promoted timetable, catering to the local inhabitants.
Lastly, the journey of a passenger doesn’t begin and end at the transit stops. The pathways and sidewalks leading to these stops must be secured and welcoming. This calls for the construction of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, enhanced street illumination, and strategic placement of police surveillance in the vicinity of public transport routes and stops. This multifaceted approach guarantees that women not only have access to efficient transport but can also traverse public spaces with confidence and security.
While the road ahead in ensuring wholly secure women’s mobility is long, these groundbreaking initiatives herald the commencement of the journey. By intensifying our focus on amplifying and refining such services, we hope that soon, every woman in our nation can rely on these modes of transportation without a modicum of hesitation. It is our fervent hope to see women’s mobility evolve, becoming an unequivocal asset for every daughter of our land. HH

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