SHRC organizes awareness session on workplace harassment

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Apr, 2026) Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring safe, dignified, and inclusive workplaces, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Wednesday organized an awareness session on workplace harassment and relevant laws.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh for Human Rights, Rajveer Singh Sodha, speaking at the occasion, underscored the Government of Sindh’s commitment to promote human dignity and strengthen institutional safeguards against workplace harassment, said a statement issued here.

He observed that workplace harassment affects not only female employees but male staff as well. He shared examples of recent cases reported from across Sindh and emphasized that such matters should be resolved at the initial stage through timely intervention before escalating into more serious cases.

Acting Chairperson SHRC Ahmed Luqman Memon stated that ensuring a harassment-free workplace is not only a statutory obligation but also a fundamental human rights imperative.

He emphasized that every institution must strictly comply with the law and establish effective mechanisms to prevent, report, and address workplace harassment.

Judicial Member SHRC, Iqbal Hussain Maitlo, stressed that a formal letter should be sent to the Chief Secretary recommending the establishment of harassment inquiry committees across all government departments.

Member business and Human Rights SHRC, Barrister Rida Tahir, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the legal framework, the rights of employees, the responsibilities of employers, and the complaint redressal mechanisms provided under the law. She highlighted Articles 11, 17, 18, and 25 of the Constitution, observing that many government departments have yet to notify their inquiry committees.

Member SHRC, Mervyn Francis Lobo, highlighted that workplace dignity, equality, and mutual respect are not new concerns but constitute a cross-cutting issue that must be continuously addressed through sustained institutional awareness and the effective implementation of workplace policies.

Public Relations Officer SHRC, Fareeda Tahir, stated that harassment cases require a process that safeguards the dignity, safety, and rights of the victim while ensuring a fair opportunity of defence to the accused in accordance with the law. She emphasized that the code of conduct should be prominently displayed in offices.

The session also emphasized the need to initiate a grassroots-level awareness campaign through town committees to promote awareness and prevention mechanisms at the community level.

MPA Mohammad Asif Moosa, Mohammad Asif Khan, Nadir Shoukat Rajper District Chairman Khairpur, Advocate Mudassar Ali Rajper and Advocate Nida Asghar also attended the session.