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Federal Ombudsperson against harassment and FPCCI ink an MoU at FPCCI

Karachi, May 16, 2018 (PPI-OT): Kashmala Tariq, Federal Ombudsperson against harassment along with Mr. Agha Ali Abbas; Secretary Ombudsperson Secretariat held a meeting with Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir Sr. Vice President FPCCI and other Office Bearers of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at FPCCI Head Office Karachi and inked an MoU for close cooperation, protection at workplace and implementation of anti-harassment laws in trade, industry and environment sector.

In his welcome remarks, Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir Sr. Vice President FPCCI emphasized on the need of women empowerment and their important role in the economic and social development of Pakistan. He also appreciated the services of Kashmala Tariq; Federal Ombudsperson against harassment and informed that FPCCI will initiate programme of creating awareness amongst the concerned circle. Following the MoU, FPCCI will also establish help desks in order to facilitate the complainants to place the manual of instruction regarding Code of Conduct at prominent places in their respective organizations.

FPCCI will conduct awareness seminars and training sessions at different cities of Pakistan regarding the anti-harassment laws. In her remarks, Kashmala Tariq stated that “Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act” was passed in March 2010 for entire Pakistan which makes harassment against women at workplace and public places a criminal offence.

The objective of this law is to create a safe working environment that is free from harassment, abuse and intimidation to facilitate their right to work with dignity and enable higher productivity and a better quality of life at work. As per the law, the punishment includes a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment including censure, stopping promotion, compulsory retirement, removal, dismissal from service and fine payable to the complainant, she added. The law on sexual harassment has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change in our attitudes towards women in the workplaces, and the establishment of the Ombudsperson office is a good starting point.

For more information, contact:
Provincial Ombudsman (Mohtasib) Sindh
Secretariat Provincial Ombudsman Sindh,
Shahrah-e-Kamal Ataturk, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-99211031, 25, 28 (PABX Ext: 200)
Tel: +92-21-99211026 (Direct Ombudsman’s Office)
Fax: +92-21-99211091, 99211262
E-mail: mohtasibhd@yahoo.com
Website: www.mohtasibsindh.gov.pk