The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment, Fauzia Viqar, along with the Regional Head for Sindh, Sabika Shah on Friday held a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, where they shared updates on the institution’s performance and efforts to address workplace harassment cases across the country.
Fauzia Viqar stated that from January till now, the institution has received complaints from 1,300 departments of various federal institutions, out of which 800 complaints have been resolved, adding that six new offices have been established.
She emphasized that social media plays a major role today, as most cases of harassment against women are often highlighted there. “Our Karachi regional office is very active. In Sindh alone, 88 complaints were registered this year,” she said, adding that complainants can easily contact the institution through the online helpline number. However, she clarified that the ombudsperson’s office does not take suo motu action on cases that appear on social media.
Explaining the legal authority of the office, Fauzia Viqar noted that the institution has the power to reinstate women who were dismissed from their jobs after filing harassment complaints. She also highlighted that harassment complaints generally fall under two main categories gender-based and sexual harassment both of which continue to be reported frequently.