PA Speaker, Ombudsperson discuss anti-harassment measures

LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP): Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Tuesday met Ombudsperson Punjab Dr Najma Afzal Khan to discuss measures for strengthening women’s protection, preventing workplace harassment and enhancing institutional cooperation to ensure a safe and dignified working environment.

During the meeting, Dr Najma Afzal Khan presented the proposed Code of Conduct on Prevention

of Harassment to the speaker.

The two sides also discussed the establishment of an Anti-Harassment Committee in the Punjab Assembly and measures to further strengthen institutional mechanisms for addressing workplace harassment.

Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasised the Punjab Assembly’s commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful and harassment-free workplace. He said effective implementation of the proposed code of conduct would further strengthen the protection of women and promote transparency

and institutional accountability.

Dr Najma Afzal Khan said the Office of the Ombudsperson Punjab was working in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of “Zero Tolerance Against Harassment.” She announced that specialized anti-harassment training sessions would be organised for women members of the Punjab Assembly as well as members of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to enhance awareness of legal safeguards and reporting mechanisms.

Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration and continue joint efforts to promote a workplace environment based on dignity, mutual respect and zero tolerance for harassment across public institutions.