Abuse of Power:
My Year Working in Pakistan
Since 9/11, I’m the foreigner to explore Balochistan, Pakistan the longest, 50+ days across 10 districts in 2021 (+ 20 days in 2024 = 72 days total).
After leaving in 2021, I felt a daily pull back to Balochistan. I saved up money and in February 2024 returned to Pakistan to start my own branding & marcom company to help grow awareness and demand for tourism in Balochistan.
The attempts to extort me for sex and power plays began almost instantly. I quickly learned that there is a systemic pattern of abuse working with government officials in Pakistan that is not only accepted … but men in power cover it up for one another.
I created this website to share my story in hopes that other women will feel empowered to report crimes and stop abusers from claiming more victims.
Angela Carson
*It’s important to me that you understand abuse of power is a problem worldwide, it’s not a Pakistani thing. Pakistan is one of the countries I have felt the safest travelling and living in as a single woman. And Balochistan is one of the places I felt most at home.
My entire career, I’ve specialised in branding, communications, social media and PR. I’m a native Californian, multilingual, and since 1996 I’ve resided and worked in the U.S., Mexico, Spain, India, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
- Lived 364 days in Pakistan during the pandemic, exploring and shooting videos. Moved back in 2024 and stayed 14 months, this time as a business woman
- Founded That Wow, a branding & marcom company in Pakistan
- 28 years in Branding & Marcom
- Toured with Guns N’ Roses as head of social media
- Travel content creator and contributor to Condé Nast Traveller, MAXIM, Esquire, FEMALE, Lite FM
Are You a Victim of Abuse or Sexual Assault in Pakistan? Here is How to Seek Help…
I asked my friends at the Quetta Women’s Police Department for advice, and this is what they shared….
Search Google for the Women’s Police Station nearest to you
There are physical Women Police Stations where you can go in person AND Virtual Police Stations where you can get swift justice and protection through live chat and video call.
Act quickly, time matters: FIR
To have the best chance of getting justice, let a caring, expert female police officer guide you. The 1st step is registering a FIR (First Information Report) to formally register the crime. That gives the officers authority to investigate and compile evidence.
Get examined & photographed: DO NOT SHOWER
In the case of sexual or domestic assault, the police need to take photos of physical evidence on your body. With rape, doctors need to collect DNA evidence within 72 hours so it can be analysed by a crime lab.
DO NOT let anyone bully you to stay silent
You are the victim, the shame lies with the man, NOT you. It is against the law to threaten victims and intimidate them into staying silent (many men try this with false legal documents to scare women). Go to the Women Police Station, they will protect you.