Islamabad Approves First Dedicated Hostel for Working Women in I-9 Sector
PM Shehbaz Sharif directs CDA to convert Special Education Centre into secure, affordable housing for women professionals
In a significant step toward empowering women professionals in the capital, Islamabad authorities have greenlit the establishment of a dedicated hostel for working women in the city’s I-9/4 sector. The initiative comes following the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aiming to provide secure, affordable, and accessible accommodation for women working in the federal capital.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has formally approved the project and informed the Ministry of Education of the decision. The move follows a joint appeal by the education and human rights ministries, underlining the increasing need for safe and budget-friendly housing solutions for professional women in Islamabad.
According to the plan, the building of the Special Education Centre in I-9/4 will be repurposed into a fully functional working women’s hostel, offering residential facilities tailored to the needs of female employees. This step is expected to ease the daily commute and living burden for hundreds of women working in public and private sector roles across the city.
The decision is being hailed as a timely and much-needed response to the rising housing challenges faced by women, particularly those who relocate to Islamabad for jobs or education but struggle to find secure living spaces.
This initiative is not only a step toward gender-inclusive urban planning but also reflects a commitment by the government to improve the quality of life for female professionals.
By repurposing an existing government building, the authorities are also taking a cost-effective and sustainable approach to solving a long-standing issue — making the best use of available infrastructure without the need for new construction.
With official approval in place, the hostel’s renovation and functional transformation are expected to begin soon. Once completed, this facility could serve as a model for other cities in Pakistan aiming to support and empower working women through practical urban solutions.
