DHA Defence

Lahore, Pakistan

Overall Safety
Good
4.0 / 5
Based on 12 Safety Metrics

Don't Make These 5 Mistakes in Lahore

What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Lahore.

Summary

The safest area in Lahore with military-style security, upscale dining, and a residential feel. Expensive and culturally sterile, but if safety is your priority, this is it.

Ultra-safe gated communityUpscale and residentialExcellent security presenceQuiet and family-orientedInternational standard amenities
Details

A gated community spread across multiple phases where army officers, wealthy businesspeople, and expats live behind security checkpoints. CCTV cameras at every intersection, roving patrols, guards at entry points. Expensive cars, manicured lawns, people walking designer dogs. Crime is rare because of the constant security - this is one of Pakistan's safest areas. All restaurant staff speak English and service is professional since they cater to wealthy locals and expats. The Defence Club has multiple dining options from continental to BBQ. Women eating alone is common. The atmosphere is quiet and residential - most restaurants close by 11pm and streets empty out. It feels sterile and disconnected from real Pakistani life. If safety is your main concern, this delivers. You'll pay premium prices for everything and need taxis to reach historical sites or more interesting parts of the city.

Safety Ratings

Daytime Safety

Excellent

Night Walking Safety

Excellent

Harassment Risk

Low

Public Transport Safety

Good

Pickpocketing Risk

Low

Scam Risk

Low

Police Visibility

Excellent

Emergency Services

Excellent

Evening Venues

Good

Solo Dining

Excellent

Drug Activity

Low

Homelessness Visibility

Low

Getting By in English

Excellent
Don't Learn These Lessons the Hard Way

Some mistakes you only make once in Lahore. But you shouldn't have to make them at all. This free checklist reveals the 5 safety pitfalls that catch solo women off guard — so you can avoid them before they happen.

Recommended Places

Cafes

  • English Tea House DHA
  • Gloria Jeans DHA
  • Second Cup Coffee

Restaurants

  • Rina's Kitchenette
  • Yum Chinese & Thai
  • Mandarin Kitchen

Bars

  • Defence Club (members and guests)
  • 5-star hotel lounges (alcohol available)

Other Spots

  • Defence Club
  • DHA Commercial Areas
  • Parks and green spaces
Impressions & Tips

"Felt safe walking around late at night"

"Security checkpoints make everything very controlled"

"Boring and expensive but extremely safe"

"Saw local women jogging and walking alone"

"Nothing authentic about it but good for peace of mind"

Similar Neighborhoods in Lahore

Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers

Cantt (Cantonment)

4.0
Lahore, Pakistan
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskLow
Transport SafetyGood
Secure military districtOrderly and well-maintainedGovernment and military presence+2

Military district with high security, orderly infrastructure, and reliable services. Not trendy like Gulberg but safe and well-located for reaching the Old City and other areas. Good if security is a priority.

15

Gulberg

4.0
Lahore, Pakistan
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyGood
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Cosmopolitan and modernUpscale dining and shoppingYoung professional crowd+2

The main upscale area with the best restaurants and cafes that have wifi. Feels safer than most of Lahore, especially around MM Alam Road. You'll pay more for everything and it's less authentically Pakistani.

66

Model Town

4.0
Lahore, Pakistan
Night Walking SafetyGood
Daytime SafetyExcellent
Harassment RiskModerate
Transport SafetyGood
Peaceful and residentialFamily-oriented atmosphereWell-planned green spaces+2

Safe and peaceful residential area with budget accommodation. You'll experience everyday Pakistani family life. Quiet with no tourist amenities, so expect to spend on taxis to reach restaurants and sights.

12

Share this Guide

Help other women stay safe in DHA Defence

Is this guide helpful?

Help us improve! Share your feedback or let us know what's missing.

Safety Reminder

Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.

Her Safe Voyage

Empowering solo female travelers with comprehensive safety guides and neighborhood ratings for destinations worldwide.

Always trust your instincts and stay aware of your surroundings while traveling. Safety information is carefully curated and researched, and should be used as a guide only.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Share This Site

Help other women travel safely by sharing our guides

© 2024-2026 Her Safe Voyage. Empowering solo female travel worldwide.