A travel influencer’s recent trip to Islamabad sparked a heated discussion on social media, highlighting the notable absence of women in public spaces in Pakistan. The influencer took to Instagram to share a reel recording her journey through different areas of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. However, what stands out most in the video is not the beauty of the city, but the glaring lack of women in public spaces. In her post, she wrote, “HELLO ISLAMABAD. The ratio is 1:50 everywhere we go in this city. Something we noticed immediately upon landing… where are my sisters?

The video included scenes of Islamabad airport, bustling markets and popular tourist destinations. Despite the frequentation of these places, we saw practically no women there.

The post quickly gained attention online, with many users commenting on their thoughts and reactions. The comments section became a space for debate, with some people expressing concerns about women’s safety and the cultural norms that might keep them out of the spotlight. Others, however, have attempted to offer explanations for the gender imbalance in public spaces.

One user commented: “The place looks very dangerous,” highlighting concerns about women’s safety. Another added: “What to expect in a country where a little girl gets shot for going to school, and these blind religious people call it Western propaganda,” referring to problems of society which can contribute to the absence of women in public.

Several users delved deeper into the cultural and societal aspects at play. One person commented, “It’s not funny that these women are essentially prisoners in their own homes,” highlighting how many women are often confined due to cultural restrictions .

Conversely, some users presented alternative perspectives, dismissing the influencer’s observation. One person remarked, “Men work to feed the family,” suggesting that men dominate public spaces because they are more likely to be employed. Another user shared a personal story, saying, “I don’t know if they’re all like that, but I met some Pakistani men when I lived in London, and it was terrifying,” offering a perspective more critical of culture.