Islamabad: MNN
Member of the National Assembly and Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC), Dr. Shahida Rehmani, moved a resolution in the National Assembly seeking protection against all forms of workplace harassment and gender-based discrimination. The resolution was passed by the House.
The resolution reaffirms Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity, equality and rights of every individual and calls for an end to all forms of harassment, intimidation, humiliation and discriminatory behaviour at workplaces.
According to the resolution, workplace harassment is not limited to conduct of a sexual nature. It may also include gender-based discrimination, intimidation, humiliation, degrading treatment, hostile behaviour and misuse of authority.
The resolution clarifies that the absence of a sexual advance or demand does not reduce the seriousness of gender-based harassment or discrimination. All such cases falling within the scope of the law must be addressed with equal seriousness, fairness and accountability.
Referring to the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, and its amendments introduced in 2022, the resolution states that the law recognises gender-based discrimination, whether sexual or non-sexual, within the statutory framework of harassment.
The resolution urges the Federal Government and all concerned institutions to ensure effective implementation of the existing legislation in its full scope, so that no individual is denied legal protection merely because the reported harassment or discrimination is non-sexual in nature.
It also reiterates the commitment to making workplaces across Pakistan free from harassment, intimidation, humiliation and gender-based discrimination.
The resolution concludes that a workplace free from harassment and discrimination is not a privilege, but a fundamental requirement of human dignity, equality and justice.
