Hina Altaf calls Karachi a ‘Jail for Women’; Hina Parvez Butt invites actress to experience Lahore’s safety measures

A short video posted by Pakistani television actress Hina Altaf during her visit to London has sparked a nationwide debate

LAHORE:  A short video posted by Pakistani television actress Hina Altaf during her visit to London has sparked a nationwide debate about women’s freedom and safety in Pakistan, prompting Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) Chairperson and PML-N MPA Hina Parvez Butt to invite the actress to Lahore to witness the provincial government’s initiatives for women’s protection.

The controversy began after Hina Altaf shared a 13-second video on her Instagram account, hinaoffhours, with the caption “Last hours of freedom”. In the clip, the actress can be seen walking along a London street wearing glasses and earmuffs.

Hina Altaf’s Remarks Spark Debate

In the video, Hina expressed concern about returning to Karachi, describing the city as a place where women cannot enjoy the same freedom they experience abroad.

She reportedly said that she wanted to take one last walk in London before returning to what she described as a “jail” in Karachi.

In subsequent social media posts, she also remarked that women could not live freely in Pakistan.

Her comments quickly gained traction, with hashtags including #HinaAltaf and #KarachiJail trending across social media platforms.

While several women supported her remarks and shared personal experiences of harassment, catcalling and insecurity in public spaces, others criticised the actress for portraying Karachi negatively, arguing that the experiences of women differ across locations and circumstances.

Hina Parvez Butt Extends Invitation

Responding to the growing discussion, Hina Parvez Butt released a video statement from her Lahore office, inviting the actress to visit the provincial capital after completing her London trip.

Addressing Hina Altaf directly, the PWPA chairperson said she wanted the actress to personally observe the arrangements introduced by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

She highlighted the provincial administration’s focus on women’s dignity, security and freedom, particularly through protection services, emergency helplines and rapid-response mechanisms.

Butt also assured the actress that she could experience the city’s public spaces safely, particularly Liberty Market, even at night.

Describing the initiatives as part of the vision of “Naya Punjab”, she said the government wanted women to move around confidently without fear or intimidation.

Five Major Women’s Safety Initiatives

Butt highlighted several projects introduced under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership.

1. QR-Based Panic Button Network: Under the “Scan for Safety” campaign, more than 82,000 QR panic buttons have reportedly been installed across public transport and public spaces. Scanning the codes connects users with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), enabling emergency communication and location sharing.

2. Safe Signal Emergency Service: Initially introduced in Murree, the initiative features emergency buttons that allow women to alert police and seek immediate assistance. The service is being expanded to other major cities.

3. Virtual Women Police Station: This facility allows women to report harassment, domestic violence, blackmailing and cybercrime remotely through calls, video communication and online services, without physically visiting a police station.

4. Safety Applications: Dedicated digital services, including SOS alerts and video-based emergency reporting, provide women with additional ways to contact authorities and notify emergency contacts.

5. Safe City Surveillance:The PSCA operates surveillance systems and monitoring centres supported by modern technology to assist law enforcement agencies in responding to emergencies.

A Wider Debate on Women’s Freedom

Hina Altaf, known for her performances in television dramas including *Udaari* and *Dil-e-Gumshuda*, has previously spoken about social pressures and women’s experiences.

Her latest remarks have reopened discussions about harassment, public safety and women’s freedom of movement in Pakistan.

Whether the actress accepts Hina Parvez Butt’s invitation remains to be seen. However, the controversy has brought renewed attention to the challenges women face and the importance of effective protection measures.