PAKISTAN | Roundtable Conference on Workplace Harassment: Successes, Challenges, and the Way Forward

A roundtable conference on "Protection Against Harassment: Legal Remedies and Practical Experiences" was held in collaboration with Shirkat Gah at Avari Hotel.. The event brought together key stakeholders, including ombudspersons from various provinces, legal experts, and parliamentarians, to discuss workplace harassment laws, challenges, and best practices.

Punjab’s Ombudsperson, Ms. Nabila Hakim Ali Khan, highlighted the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, emphasizing the role of her office in ensuring justice and fostering a safe work environment for women. She presented an overview of the department’s successes and challenges, including landmark cases and procedural improvements aimed at expediting justice.

Distinguished participants included Parliamentarian Zakia Shah Nawaz, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ombudsperson Rakhshanda Naz, Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar, Sindh Ombudsperson Shah Nawaz Tariq, and Balochistan Ombudsperson Sitar Atta. They shared insights on their respective jurisdictions, highlighting the progress made and hurdles faced in implementing anti-harassment laws.

The conference provided a platform to discuss best practices, legislative gaps, and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms. Experts underscored the importance of raising awareness, streamlining complaint procedures, and ensuring institutional accountability.

Source: The Ombudsman Punjab for the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, Pakistan