he rain was pouring that morning as I drove to work, navigating through the streets of Lahore. The downpour had paralysed the city and intensified its traffic chaos. As I inched forward, a man maneuvered his car dangerously close to mine, causing our side mirrors to collide and fold. Annoyed but composed, I adjusted my mirror and continued on my way.

I had driven only a small distance when the same car stopped in front of mine, blocking my path. The driver gestured for me to stop.

I have always been a confident driver. As Alhamra’s public relations officer, I engage with hundreds of people daily. I believe that respect is earned through one’s work and character. But that day, I was reminded that some people will still try to intimidate a woman.

I tried maneuvering past the man, but he obstructed my way. The situation escalated quickly. His actions appeared to be menacing. Panic surged through me. I leaned on the car horn, hoping that once alerted to the situation someone would intervene. No one did. None of the passers-by stopped. The absence of traffic police and the onlookers’ indifference made it look like I was alone in a city of millions.

Realising that the situation demanded immediate action, I dialled 15, the police emergency helpline. A robotic voice guided me through the options, and I swiftly pressed ‘2’—the line dedicated to women facing harassment. Within seconds, a composed yet authoritative female officer answered my call.

I described my distress. I provided my location, the car’s description and my tormentor’s appearance. The voice over the phone said, “Remain calm. We are here to help.”

SOMETHING MISSING HERE

As I approached the next underpass, I spotted the same man at the traffic signal. He had been stopped by the red light, apparently unaware that he was about to be apprehended. For a moment, I considered speeding away lest he should again confront me. But something within me resisted. Why should I run? Why should I be the one to retreat?

Instead, I pulled over near a Punjab Police checkpoint. I approached the officers and reported my ordeal. Within minutes, the police had identified and stopped the man. He was held accountable.

For hours after the incident, my phone continued ringing. The Punjab Police were not merely filing away a case. They ensured that I felt heard, protected and respected. From various police stations, officers reached out, requesting statements and reassuring me that justice would be served. Among them were SHO Bilal Arbi of Johar Town and DSP Khurram Cheema of Township. Many other officials displayed professionalism and unwavering support. Their commitment wasn’t a perfunctory duty but a well-executed, civilised response to a grave concern.

The fight for women’s safety is far from over, but the Punjab is no longer a place where a woman’s cry for help goes unanswered. We are witnessing the dawn of a new Punjab.

For the next three days, Punjab Police followed up, ensuring that the perpetrator had been dealt with and conducting a post-response evaluation. In my experience, this was an unprecedented level of accountability. Had the matter been resolved? they asked. Did the police arrive on time? Was I treated respectfully? The inquiries were exhaustive. They showed the province’s promise of zero tolerance for harassment was not just rhetoric but a firmly enforced policy.

I concluded that the unprecedented shift in policing standards has resulted from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision. Her words, “Harassment of women is a red line for me,” are not an empty declaration; they are a mandate for action. Under her leadership, the Punjab has witnessed a revolution in women’s safety. Her government has revivedthe Women’s Protection Centres, ensuring survivors of violence have access to legal aid and psychological support. The government has also launched Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station, allowing women to report harassment without fear of reprisal.

It has also established the Punjab Women Protection Authority, reinforcing institutional commitment to safeguarding women’s rights. The enhancement of the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, has solidified legal recourse for victims.

When I shared my experience with Tauqeer Haider Kazmi, the Alhamra executive director, he commended my decision to call the police. He also credited the Punjab’s leadership for creating an efficient system. He remarked, “The effectiveness of this mechanism is a testament to the exceptional leadership of the Punjab, spearheaded by three extraordinary women.” He said the CM had a vision of a Punjab where every woman felt secure. He also mentioned Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari acting as her unwavering right hand.

As the Alhamra PRO, I have seen firsthand how Minister Bokhari dedicates herself to her work. My experience was harrowing but it also revealed a stark truth: the change is here. Awareness must follow. The mere existence of a few predators on the streets cannot be too much of a problem but for the silence of most bystanders; the hesitation of many victims; and the scepticism towards institutional support.

The fight for women’s safety is far from over, but the Punjab is no longer a place where a woman’s cry for help goes unanswered. We are witnessing the dawn of a new Punjab that stands resolutely in support of its daughters.

To every woman reading this I say: you are not alone. Help is real. Protection is real. Justice is real. To the men: be the ally who stands up, not the bystander who watches. To the authorities: your actions have the power to reshape the society. Keep proving that protection is not a privilege but a right.

I also have a message for the CM: You have succeeded in this mission. Our lack of awareness and hesitation kept us from trusting the system you have built. But today, it is clear: the long night of fear and oppression is ending, and a new dawn is rising. My ordeal has made me reflect on the efforts you and your cabinet colleagues Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bokhari are making to transform Punjab.

The writer is the public relations officer for Alhamra Art Centre