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RAWALPINDI, Oct 23 (APP):Effective laws are enforced in Pakistan to prevent harassment incidents faced by women on social media and at workplaces, providing complete legal protection to affected women.
After the promulgation of powerful laws including PECA act and Women Harassment act in the country, the safety and security of women has been increased.
Legal expert and practicing lawyer Javeria Ambreen in an exclusive interview with APP said that due to the increasing use of social media, women face threats such as online harassment and blackmailing.
“However, the Government of Pakistan has implemented the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which has also been further strengthened through amendments”, she said.
She highlighted that under law, sharing someone’s personal information, images, or videos without their permission, uploading false content, or attempting to damage someone’s reputation is a serious punishable offense, which can result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
She underlined the importance of awareness among women regarding the harassment laws.
She said that the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010 mandates the formation of an inquiry committee in every organization.
“This committee consists of three members, including at least one woman and one senior officer”, she explained.
Javeria informed that the affected woman can file a complaint directly or through her lawyer, if harassment is proven against any person, they can be suspended from their position, demoted in grade, or dismissed. Moreover, any party has the right to appeal the decision within one month.
She advised that women should remain fully aware of their legal rights, exercise caution in exchanging personal information and images on social media and approach relevant authorities in case of any harassment to seek justice according to the law.
To a question, the legal expert observed that the implementation of the said laws have also further strengthened the women in our society.