Women DJs Break Barriers in Pakistan's Underground Electronic Scene

In Pakistan, a country known for its conservative values, a discreet but thriving DJ scene is emerging in major cities like Karachi and Lahore. This scene, largely dominated by men, is seeing an increasing number of women asserting themselves as DJs, transforming the music industry. However, this culture remains limited to an urban elite, with the electronic scene still very informal, consisting of one-off events, temporary collectives, and underground raves. This occurs in a climate where authorities seek to ban cultural productions deemed immoral. The report, by Shahzaib Wahlah and Ondine de Gaulle, highlights the challenges and progress of women in this field. The story was published on August 11, 2026, by France 24, as part of their Focus program.