ISLAMABAD, Jan 16 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday reaffirmed that women\u2019s safety remains a top priority of the government, stating that multiple security and policing mechanisms are already in place to address concerns of working women, particularly those residing in hostels across the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
\nResponding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli and Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai in the National Assembly, the minister highlighted that women-focused safety measures include the women-sensitive 1815 police helpline, a separate Inspector General Police Complaint Cell, an independent emergency helpline, online police stations, and mobile police units staffed exclusively by female officers.
\nHe said that calls made by women were automatically transferred to female officers to ensure better communication and comfort. Dedicated women desks at police stations and mobile policing units, commonly known as \u201cpolice stations on wheels,\u201d are also operational to provide prompt assistance, he added.
\nThe minister noted that over the last 20 years, there has been no significant addition to hostel-related infrastructure, despite Islamabad\u2019s population growing three to four times faster than other major cities.
\nTalal Chaudhry further noted that despite Islamabad\u2019s population growing three to four times faster than other major cities, no significant addition has been made to hostel-related infrastructure over the past 20 years, acknowledging the challenges this poses for working women in the federal capital.
\nThe minister further shared that Islamabad is undergoing major reforms aimed at transforming it into Pakistan\u2019s first Smart City. He announced that the government will unveil \u201cVision Islamabad 2027\u201d later this month, outlining how the capital will evolve over the next two years into a safe, secure, modern, and smart city. Members of parliament and civil society representatives will be invited to participate in this vision.
\nHowever, responding to a question on the construction of new working women hostels, Talal Chaudhry clarified that there was currently no plan under the ICT administration to build new hostels. He said the focus remains on regulation, adding that individual departments can share their own plans regarding women hostels, if any.
\nHe also pointed out widespread violations where hostels are being operated illegally in residential areas instead of approved commercial buildings. Such facilities, he said, often charge high rents, offer inadequate amenities, and overcrowd rooms\u2014sometimes housing up to ten residents in a single room\u2014posing serious safety and security risks. The government is actively discouraging such practices through enforcement of building bylaws approved and implemented by the relevant departments.
\nConcluding his remarks, the minister invited lawmakers to submit specific proposals, assuring that constructive suggestions would be given due consideration to address the issue comprehensively.<\/p>\n