Seminar discusses challenges to women lawyers at workplace

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Feb, 2026) A seminar was organized by the Provincial Ombudsman of Sindh on the theme of addressing the issues faced by women lawyers and improving the professional environment at workplace.

The seminar was hosted by Provincial Ombudsman Justice (R) Shah Nawaz Tariq, while the Minister for Home and Law Sindh, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, attended as the chief guest, a communique said on Tuesday.

The seminar featured detailed discussions on workplace problems and professional barriers faced by women lawyers. Participants presented practical recommendations at legal, institutional, and policy levels to ensure a safe and dignified working environment for women lawyers.

Addressing the seminar, the Minister for Home and Law Sindh, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always championed the rights and protection of women. He noted that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not only Pakistan’s but also the Muslim world’s first woman Prime Minister and continued to serve as a role model for women. He further said that First Lady Aseefa Bhutto is also raising her voice for women’s representation and rights and is playing an effective role at the national level.

The Minister emphasized that the Pakistan Peoples Party has never discriminated between men and women, and women have always played a prominent role in the legislative process. He remarked that the legal fraternity forms the foundation of lawmaking, and without the inclusion of women lawyers, effective and comprehensive legislation is not possible. He requested that all proposals and recommendations formulated during the conference be shared with him so they may be discussed in policy-making meetings and translated into practical measures.

He also indicated that legislation would be considered regarding reserved seats for women in the Karachi Bar, Sindh Bar Council, and District Bar Councils.

Similarly, he stressed the need to ensure women’s representation in the Pakistan Bar Council.

He further stated that the inclusion of at least one woman in the Judicial Commission is essential to promote gender balance within the judicial system. He reaffirmed his commitment to placing women’s proposals before the policy-making committee for consideration.

The Law Minister Sindh Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar stated that women desks should be established in every government institution to ensure the prompt redressal of complaints. He shared that, as Home Minister, women officers in the Police Department have been entrusted with prominent responsibilities, and measures are ongoing to support their professional growth. He emphasized that women are highly capable, and providing them equal opportunities is the responsibility of the state.

At the conclusion of the seminar, speakers reaffirmed their commitment to jointly work for the elimination of harassment against women and the effective implementation of the “Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace” law. They pointed out that women still face professional challenges and under-representation in courts, bar councils, and various public and private institutions. The speakers stressed the need to ensure meaningful participation of women in governmental and policy-making committees and to eliminate negative attitudes toward women candidates in bar council elections.

The Provincial Ombudsman Sindh Justice (R) Shah Nawaz Tariq termed the organization of the seminar a positive step and said that collective efforts are required to eliminate discrimination against women, adding that our religion also teaches equality and justice.