Ayesha Omer: I deeply love my country but feel unsafe in Pakistan

Actor and style icon Ayesha Omar recently shed light on the challenges women face in Pakistan, recounting her personal experiences with harassment from a young age and the pervasive sense of insecurity that occupies women's minds.

While reflecting on her life journey, Ayesha also expressed a genuine desire for marriage and motherhood.

“I want to be a mother. After three years of self-healing and inner growth, I feel ready for marriage,” she said.

The 'Dolly Ki Ayegi Baraat' actor expressed her distress at the challenging circumstances in the country, stating, "My brother has already moved to Denmark, and my mother also wishes to leave Pakistan.”

Ayesha expressed her deep love for Pakistan but highlighted the constant anxiety and insecurity prevailing in the country.

“If I would be given the choice to live anywhere globally, I would choose Pakistan. We possess everything—my favorite place is Hunza. we have sea, rivers, and mountains. It's the circumstances created by our leaders in the last 50 years, which caused damage to the country."

She highlighted the economic downturn affecting the lives of ordinary citizens but clarified her commitment to stay in the country while occasionally “traveling in and out.”

Omar acknowledged the people's helplessness, attributing blame to circumstances rather than individuals.

The 'Gunjal' actor spoke about the fear and anxiety women experience due to the unsafe conditions in the country.

"My earlies encounter with harassment was when my neighbour's cook touched me inappropriately," the 'Bulbulay' actor shared.

She went on to emphasise that “It is a basic right of all people to move around freely and without fear.”

Ayesha lamented that even in posh areas, she feels unsafe, recalling that the only time she could walk outside was during lockdown.

Men can never understand what Pakistani women grow up with, no matter how much you try, you cannot grasp it," she added. 

Revealing some unpleasant experiences she recently faced, Ayesha Omar opened up about the challenges of adjusting to life in Karachi after moving from Lahore.

 “I went to college in Lahore, which I felt was much safer than Karachi. We used to travel in buses alone,” she said.

When asked about her experiences in Karachi, Ayesha disclosed being “mugged twice.” 

She questioned, “When the day would come when I could walk freely without the fear of kidnapping, rape, or mugging.”

 “Crime exists in every country, but at least in many places, people can walk outside without fear. Unfortunately, we often can't even go to the park without experiencing catcalling and harassment from men. We can go to the enclosed places but not everyone can afford access to these alternative spaces,” she concluded.