Islamabad: Dr. Shahida Rehmani, a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly and Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, has introduced a resolution in the National Assembly that seeks to reaffirm the legislative body’s commitment to safeguarding individuals from workplace harassment and gender-based discrimination. This move aims to enhance protections for individuals facing various forms of harassment, whether sexual or non-sexual in nature.

According to the National Assembly of Pakistan, the resolution emphasizes that workplace harassment extends beyond sexual misconduct, encompassing gender-based discrimination, intimidation, degrading treatment, and misuse of authority. The resolution calls for the effective implementation of the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022, which explicitly addresses discrimination based on gender.

The document stresses the importance of addressing all forms of harassment with seriousness and accountability, regardless of whether they involve a sexual component. It underscores that the dignity and rights of individuals must not be compromised by distinguishing between different types of harassment.

The proposal urges the Federal Government and relevant institutions to ensure comprehensive enforcement of existing legislation, protecting individuals from all forms of harassment and discrimination, whether sexual or non-sexual. The initiative aligns with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus’s broader efforts to create harassment-free workplaces across Pakistan.

The resolution concludes by asserting that freedom from workplace harassment and discrimination is a fundamental aspect of human dignity, equality, and justice, rather than a privilege.