The ongoing hostel shortage in Islamabad has created serious challenges for working women, especially those from remote areas seeking safe and affordable accommodation in the capital.
Official Hostels Remain Closed
Currently, no government-operated hostel is available for working women in the city. The Nusrat Hostel in Sector G-6, once a residence for female professionals, was repurposed as a Girls Child Protection Center. However, the center itself is not functional. Similarly, the Staff Welfare Women Hostel in Sector G-7 was vacated nearly three months ago and remains shut.
Rising Costs and Safety Concerns
With no public accommodation options, women are forced to rely on expensive and often insecure private hostels. Sadia Khan, a teacher from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that a large portion of her salary goes toward rent. “It’s hard to cover other expenses when housing costs are so high,” she said.
Samina Ali, a junior government officer from Punjab, shared her experience of being transferred to Islamabad with the expectation of hostel support. “Despite multiple inquiries, there’s no clarity on when or if the hostels will reopen,” she explained. She also highlighted frequent rent hikes and lack of facilities in private hostels.
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Challenges for Female Health Workers
Farzana Bibi, a nurse at a public hospital, stressed the importance of safe and nearby housing for those working night shifts. “Living in shared private rooms is neither comfortable nor secure,” she said. She emphasized that the government must step in to address the basic needs of essential female workers.
Lawmakers Acknowledge the Problem
Members of Parliament including Shahida Rehmani, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, and Sherry Rehman have acknowledged the issue. They committed to raising the matter in relevant forums and underlined the importance of secure housing for supporting women in the workforce.
Calls for Urgent Action
Stakeholders and citizens have urged authorities to reopen non-functional hostels and establish new facilities. As the number of professional women continues to grow, the need for accessible, affordable housing in Islamabad has become critical.
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