The recent rape of a woman in Islamabad’s F-9 park is a brutal reminder of the precariousness of women’s safety in public spaces. The park, which was once called the Capital Park and more recently Fatima Jinnah Park, is one of the few democratizing spaces in a deeply classist and unequal city. It is a central place for social and cultural activities, including study circles, poetry readings, art classes, and photo walks, and is also a venue for protest and politics. The park was also the site of the Aurat Azadi Jalsa, a women’s rights protest, last year. The recent attack on the park sends a chilling message to women in Islamabad that they are not safe in public spaces. The capital has a long history of treating its women and marginalized citizens with callousness. The city’s design excluded poor and working-class residents, and subsequent policies have only served to reinforce its exclusionary and elitist character. Women in the city face difficulties finding safe and affordable housing, navigating sexual harassment in public spaces, and dealing with expensive and difficult commutes. They are also at risk of violence, even in heavily policed areas. The 2020 Aurat Azadi March was attacked by extremist religious groups, further demonstrating the hostility of public spaces towards women. To ensure the safety of women in public spaces, the city authorities must prioritize their safety. If safety cannot be guaranteed, dedicated green spaces for women may be considered as a short-term solution. The park named after the mother of the nation should be returned to its daughters, allowing them to enjoy its peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere without fear of violence. Women in Islamabad must be allowed to claim public spaces and participate in social, cultural, political, and economic life in the city. To do so, the city must become inclusive and safe for women and working-class people, not just for the rich and powerful.