Rubina Ashraf urges Pakistanis to ditch 'toxic car culture' and reclaim the streets

Veteran actor Rubina Ashraf shared an assessment of modern Pakistani society, arguing that the country's growing dependence on cars, poor urban planning and declining civic culture have made everyday life increasingly difficult for pedestrians.

Speaking during a recent interview, she reflected on everything from Karachi's lack of walkable spaces to the entertainment industry's work ethic and the impact of excessive screen time, urging Pakistanis to adopt healthier habits and greater personal discipline.

Drawing comparisons between Lahore and Karachi, Rubina praised Lahore's aesthetic development but lamented the conditions in Karachi, particularly for pedestrians. "I get angry when I come to Lahore because I love it," she said, adding that returning to Karachi highlighted the stark contrast between the two cities.

She argued that even short walks have become a source of anxiety because of safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure.

"If I want to go to a shop just a few steps away, I wonder whether I should even carry my bag because it might get snatched. That's where safety comes in. It is something the government should provide because it has failed to create a safe environment for people to walk."

Rubina said the problem extended beyond crime, criticising urban planning that prioritises vehicles over pedestrians.

"In Karachi, walkable pavements are virtually non-existent. Even in the poshest neighbourhoods where sidewalks have finally been built, the roads are so narrow that they inevitably end up being used for parking. Once again, pedestrians are left with no space."

She argued that Pakistan has become trapped in what she described as a "toxic car culture", where even short distances are covered by car rather than on foot or through public transport.

"If I'm visiting a friend who lives just a few steps away, I shouldn't have to drive. I should be able to put on my sneakers, walk there and enjoy the fresh air."

Rubina also lamented the absence of a public transport culture, saying it should be normal to see celebrities, athletes and politicians using buses or trains without attracting attention. "We need to evolve past this mindset."

She even suggested that people reclaim public spaces by walking more frequently. "Leave your cash at home, carry only your card and walk. If enough people reclaim the streets, we'll eventually force the system to build cities designed for people instead of vehicles."

The conversation later turned to the entertainment industry, where Rubina encouraged aspiring actors to pursue the profession for the right reasons rather than chasing overnight fame. "If your only goal is to become famous, don't enter this industry," she said.

"Come only if you genuinely want to learn, create meaningful art and work honestly. Television and cinema are not a joke. The veterans who built this industry worked incredibly hard, and you won't survive without the same discipline."

Rubina also stressed the importance of maintaining clear moral principles, warning against using changing social attitudes to justify unethical behaviour. "Don't confuse right with wrong. The boundary between them is still clear. Don't hide behind modern narratives simply to justify bad behaviour."

She also reflected on the impact of excessive screen time, arguing that late-night scrolling often contributes to poor productivity the following day.

"We all need to check our daily screen time. That hour and a half we spend scrolling at night is exactly why we wake up only 20 minutes before we have to leave for work. It's not a healthy way to live."

She concluded by encouraging people to adopt what she called "backward timing"—planning their schedules by working backwards from the time they need to arrive somewhere.

"If you need to reach somewhere at noon, calculate backwards. How long will it take to get ready? What time do you need to wake up? When do you need to finish everything else? As a nation, we haven't learned that way of thinking, and we need to."