Organisations must have committees to address sexual harassment complaints

Advisor to Prime Minister on Human Rights, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar on Saturday told the Upper House of the Parliament that all the public and private organisations are bound to constitute a three-member committee to address complaints about sexual harassment at workplaces.
He made these remarks while responding to the privilege motion moved by Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmed that the Parliament had already done legislation in this regard and the office of the Ombudsman also deals with such cases. Khokhar said that the role of Human Rights Ministry is very limited and international and local NGOs did not come within the jurisdiction of the Ministry.
The Advisor, however, informed the House that an appropriate action would be taken against any person found involved in sexual harassment at workplaces, if such cases were brought to his notice. Earlier Professor Khurshid while moving his adjournment motion said that the number of sexual harassment cases in NGOs is increasing with each passing day, creating embarrassment for female employees.
He said that a number of women are working in factories, public and private offices where they are not treated properly. He said that Islam teaches us to respect women and give them proper place in the society. He said that anti-sexual harassment law should also be imposed on the NGOs working in the country. Senator Ishaq Dar said that this adjournment motion should not be opposed on the basis of jurisdiction.
Leader of the House in the Senate, Senator Nayyar Bokhari drew the attention of the chair that the Parliament has already passed a law against sexual harassment at workplaces and if there is a need of any amendment, the member should bring a bill in the House. He said under the rules of business and procedure, a matter which could be addressed through legislation, should not be taken up on moving adjournment motion. After the comments of the Leader of the House in the Senate, Senator Khurshid did not press his privilege motion further.