Pakistani actress Ayesha Omar discussed the absence of safe public settings on the Adnan Faisal Podcast, echoing many women’s concerns. Omar passionately discussed Pakistani women’s struggles, including harassment and daily terror.
In the podcast, the actor highlighted her great concern over Pakistan’s lack of safe public areas for women. She noted that even walking to the park can be fraught with harassment and stalking for women on the highways and streets.
“I don’t feel safe here,” said Omar. “I want to be able to walk on the road.” “Walking outside is a basic human need,” she said. Can you walk outside with all these women in your office?” The actor continued, “Isn’t that sad?” when the off-camera response was likely negative. No automobile ride for me. I want to bike. Why can’t I bike?”
Omar also highlighted Pakistani women’s specific struggles, saying men may never truly understand their everyday worry and anxiety. “Men can never understand what Pakistani women grow up with,” she said. Despite your efforts, you cannot. That worry a woman has in our country—he who has daughters may comprehend.” She said, “To understand it as a woman is impossible. You’re constantly worried.”
Omar stressed that freedom and safety are basic human needs and wished for a time when women could roam freely in their own nation without fear of kidnapping, rape, or mugging. “When will the time come when I can roam freely in my country?” she said. “Without kidnapping, raping, or muggering, A fundamental human need. Safety and freedom.”
Omar acknowledged that crime exists in every country but called for a change in societal attitudes to provide a safe atmosphere for individuals, especially women. She shared her experiences of being followed, catcalled, and harassed in public settings.
The actor said, “Crime occurs worldwide. People can walk on the road. At the end, she remarked with resignation, “Ten people will follow or catcall you in the park. They talk strangely and touch you. You do what? You do what?”
Omar’s open podcast comments highlight a pressing social issue that needs attention and a solution. Many Pakistani women share her need for secure public spaces, starting an important discourse about cultural transformation, empathy, and creating an atmosphere where everyone may enjoy their basic human rights of freedom and safety.
