There is a significant change happening in Pakistans approach to workplace harassment. New official data shows that men are coming forward more and more to report harassment at their workplaces. This challenges the idea that only women file such complaints. According to figures released by the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment 521 men filed harassment complaints over the course of a year. This number now makes up 40 percent of all cases registered with the institution. Workplace harassment is a problem in Pakistan and men are now speaking out about it.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Out of a total of 1,290 complaints received during the year 769 were filed by women. 521 Came from men. The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment reported a disposal rate. They. Resolved 1,104 of the 1,290 cases they received. This shows that the institution has been effective in acting on the complaints brought before it. Workplace harassment complaints are being taken seriously in Pakistan.
Geographically Islamabad had the complaints from both men and women. Islamabad recorded 231 cases from men followed by Punjab with 222 complaints. Peshawar reported 42 cases Karachi registered 24. Balochistan recorded just two. The same pattern held for women. Islamabad had 496 registered complaints, followed by Punjab with 154. Officials say the high numbers from Islamabad are because people are more aware of the ombudspersons office and have access to its services. Islamabad is leading the way in reporting workplace harassment.
A Law Originally Built for Women Now Serving All
Pakistans law addressing workplace harassment was first introduced in 2010 to protect women. However a significant amendment in 2022 broadened its scope. The revised law replaced gender- language with the more inclusive term “any person” in its definition of a complainant. This change extended protection to transgender individuals. The law now formally recognizes them as complainants. Workplace harassment laws are becoming more inclusive in Pakistan.
The 2022 amendment also widened the definition of who qualifies as an “employee”. It now includes workers, freelancers, domestic workers, interns, apprentices, students, performers and athletes. These groups had previously fallen outside the laws reach. Additionally the amended law redefined what counts as harassment. It now includes gender-based discrimination and any behaviour that creates a work environment. Workplace harassment is not about sexual misconduct.
Awareness Campaigns Driving the Numbers Up
The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has continued running awareness campaigns. These campaigns inform employees about their rights and the process for filing complaints. They encourage women, men and transgender persons who experience workplace harassment to approach the ombudspersons office for help. Officials believe that this outreach has played a role in the rising number of complaints. Awareness campaigns are working to prevent workplace harassment in Pakistan.
Why This Data Matters
The rise in complainants shows that Pakistans harassment framework is evolving into a more gender-neutral system. Harassment can affect anyone in a workplace, not women. Legal experts say that any form of gender-based harassment is legally punishable under the amended law. Men are now feeling comfortable reporting workplace harassment.
That said challenges remain. Weak enforcement, workplace power imbalances and cultural attitudes continue to discourage victims from coming forward. Gaps still exist in how the law handles interactions between employees of organisations. There are also gaps in protections for those in businesses or informal sectors. Workplace harassment is still a problem in Pakistan.
A Step Toward Broader Protection
While the numbers alone do not tell the story of workplace harassment in Pakistan they do suggest a meaningful shift in awareness and willingness to report. This is particularly true among men. As the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment continues its awareness drives and enforcement efforts the coming years will show whether this trend translates into protections for all employees. Workplace harassment laws are getting stronger, in Pakistan.
