“Harassment at workplace a serious issue in Pakistan”
IV report KARACHI: Stressing the need for awareness, a senior legal professional associated with the federal government's complaints addressing body on harassment, Sabika Shah, highlighted the gravity of workplace harassment in Pakistan. At an awareness seminar organised by Hamdard University (HU), Ms Shah, Regional Head of the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (Fospah), cited a survey revealing that "all Pakistani women face this serious problem at least once in their lifetime." Shah defined harassment, noting, "It's not limited to men harassing women; a man can harass a man, and a woman can harass a female colleague." She emphasised that men and transgender persons are also vulnerable to workplace harassment in Pakistan, ranked among the five worst countries for sexual harassment. The Fospah head explained that any action, including staring, touching, or suggestive speech, can be deemed an offence. Discrimination based o...