Punjab Enforces Workplace Committees to Combat Harassment
Punjab Mandates Anti-Harassment Panels Across All Public and Private Entities
MANDATORY PROTECTION PANELS PUNJAB
Illustration concept: A formal conference room in Rawalpindi with official banners about women's legal rights, featuring Pakistani officials at a podium addressing an attentive audience, photorealistic news coverage style.
AI summary
The Punjab government has made it compulsory for both public and private organizations to set up dedicated anti-harassment committees. Speaking at an awareness session in Rawalpindi, Punjab Ombudsperson Dr. Najma Afzal Khan reaffirmed the province's commitment to eradicating workplace misconduct.
Why this matters
Requiring institutional anti-harassment committees establishes formal legal avenues for female employees across Punjab. This regulatory measure aims to create safer professional spaces and boost female workforce participation by holding both public and private employers accountable.
Key takeaways
- Punjab makes anti-harassment committees mandatory for all public and private entities.
- Punjab Ombudsperson Dr. Najma Afzal Khan highlighted that workplace harassment is a criminal offense.
- Legal experts briefed attendees on the Anti-Harassment Act 2010 and its 2012 amendment.
- The Provincial Ombudsman office, operating since 2013, continues its drive to safeguard women's rights.
Institutions operating within Punjab must now form specialized internal committees to combat harassment and protect the rights of female workers across public and private domains.
The regulatory requirement was highlighted during an awareness seminar in Rawalpindi focused on female workplace protection. Addressing attendees as the event's chief guest, Punjab Ombudsperson Dr. Najma Afzal Khan stated that women ought to receive their statutory rights directly at their doorsteps, adding that "harassment of women is a crime."
Participants at the session were briefed on the framework governing female protection, specifically the Anti-Harassment Act 2010 and its revised provisions introduced in 2012. Law Officer Raja Adnan Azhar conducted the informational session detailing legal mechanisms available to victims.
Dr. Khan noted that the Provincial Ombudsman was established in 2013 to ensure institutional protection for women throughout the province. According to reports from Dawn Pakistan, provincial authorities intend to maintain a strict zero-tolerance posture toward harassment in all working environments.
Frequently asked questions
- What new mandate has been issued for organizations in Punjab?
- All public and private organizations in Punjab are required to establish internal committees dedicated to preventing harassment and protecting female workers.
- Which laws govern workplace harassment protection in Punjab?
- Workplace protection in the province is primarily governed by the Anti-Harassment Act 2010, which was amended in 2012 to strengthen legal safeguards.
- When was the Punjab Provincial Ombudsman established?
- The Provincial Ombudsman institution was established in 2013 to handle grievances and safeguard female rights.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Dawn Pakistan
- Original publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 4:07 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 14, 2026, 4:07 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 14, 2026, 4:16 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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