This study aims to explore the challenges and obstacles faced by female politicians in Pakistani politics despite gender mainstreaming initiatives. This qualitative study was based on 20 interviews with key informants, who were serving women members of the national assembly, provincial assembly, and district councilors from the Punjab province of Pakistan. This revealed that the foremost challenge faced by women in politics here was gaining formal entry into the political system due to various socio-cultural constraints, such as the culture of pardha (veiling), dual responsibility of household-work and political careers, intrusion by males into women's political careers, and lack of support by the political party leadership. Despite gender-mainstreaming initiatives, including gender quotas, the underlying patriarchal structure of society serves as a major hindrance for women's empowerment. The promotion of a gender-inclusive culture in politics requires concerted and holistic approaches and deeper changes in society and politics, rather than merely increasing the number of women in the political system.