Ombudsperson lectures Inquiry Committees on law, procedure for protection of women at workplace

MULTAN, Jul 29 (APP): Punjab Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace, Dr. Najma Afzal, on Wednesday emphasized the need for impartial and effective implementation of anti-harassment laws to ensure safe, dignified and harassment-free workplaces across the province.

She expressed these views while addressing a training session for members of Harassment Inquiry Committees, organized at her office in Multan under the directions of Punjab Chief Minister.

Dr. Najma Afzal said, the Punjab government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, was taking practical measures to provide a secure and respectful working environment for all employees, particularly women. She highlighted that Harassment Inquiry Committees played a vital role in addressing workplace complaints and stressed that committee members must have a thorough understanding of the relevant laws, rules and procedures to ensure transparent, impartial and timely investigations.

Members of inquiry committees from the Revenue, Education, Health, Social Welfare and other government departments attended the training session.

The Ombudsperson urged participants to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and professionalism to strengthen the culture of trust, justice and accountability within public institutions.

During the session, participants were given detailed briefings on anti-harassment legislation, complaint registration procedures, investigation mechanisms and the responsibilities of inquiry committee members. They also raised questions on various issues, which were answered in detail by Dr. Najma Afzal.

The session concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against workplace harassment in all public and private sector institutions through continued awareness and capacity-building initiatives.