An Odyssey of Neglect

There is a strong illusion that Islamabad is a safe, well-planned, and orderly city, but these images challenge that belief in a very real way. As Kofi Annan once said,

Urban safety is one of the most important challenges facing cities today

From the unsafe surroundings near NUML Road, where women face harassment, and there is little to no visible security presence, to the open manholes and damaged roads along Peshawar Road, the city reveals serious gaps in basic urban safety. Even the exposed electrical wiring in G-13 Sector highlights how everyday environments can become dangerous due to negligence.

Every day, I travel to my university and back home, and I never really noticed these things before. But while working on this project, I started thinking and questioning myself closely. It made me realize how many issues we pass by daily without paying any attention to them. Things that once felt normal suddenly seemed concerning, and I began to question why and when we’ve learned to ignore them. As a citizen, these are not distant problems; they shape how safe we feel and how freely we move. Safety should not be something we compromise on, yet it is clearly being overlooked.

Image 1

No Safety in Sight

Firstly, the issue I notice is the lack of security from the metro station to NUML. Despite being the university road, there are no visible safety measures such as guards, CCTV cameras, or proper monitoing syetems period. Women passing through this area often face harassment, verbal abuse, and inappropriate gestures from people around these roadside stalls and taxi stands. The absence of strict action and security protocols allows such behaviors to continue unchecked, making this space feel unsafe, especially for young female students who use this route daily.

Image 2

Invisible Dangers: Open Manholes and Potholes

Another important issue is the negligence in urban infrastructure. Open manholes, potholes, overflowing gutters, and poorly maintained roads pose constant risks to drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

A city’s true measure is not its infrastructure, but how safe its people feel within it

These issues are also harmful to public health, causing unhealthy conditions. What makes the situation worse is the absence of warning signs or barriers, which increases the chances of accidents, especially at night. These hazards are not just inconveniences; they are serious, life-threatening risks that reflect a lack of accountability and poor maintenance within the city’s development systems.

Image 3

Exposed to Danger

The exposed electrical wiring shown in this image is a clear indicator of poor safety regulation and maintenance. Loose and unprotected wires hanging from poles can lead to severe accidents, including electric shocks or fires. In residential areas like G-13, where families and children live, such risks become even more alarming. This shows how our basic safety standards are being ignored, putting everyday lives in danger.