A meeting of the Special Committee on Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly was held on Friday at the Provincial Assembly Secretariat under the chairmanship of Committee Chairman and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Munir Hussain Laghmani. The meeting was attended by committee members Asif Masood and Ms Sitara Afreen, along with the Secretary of Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights, relevant officials of the Law Department, and officers from the Provincial Assembly Secretariat.
Detailed Review of the Amendment Bill
The committee conducted a detailed review of and discussion on the “Harassment of Women at Workplace (Amendment) Bill 2026.” The bill had been referred to the Special Committee by the Provincial Assembly on April 16, 2026, for further examination, consultation, and the formulation of recommendations. Committee members thoroughly examined various provisions of the bill, its legal implications, and the proposed reforms aimed at enhancing the protection of women. They also presented their views and suggestions on the proposed legislation.
Background and Legal Context
Briefing the committee, the Secretary of Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights informed members that legislation against the harassment of women was first enacted in 2010 and that its administrative and legal oversight was assigned to the Law Department in 2021. He further said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan, in a landmark judgment issued in 2025 regarding harassment cases, had directed all provinces to align their laws with the court’s directives. In response, the Law Department has proposed the necessary amendments to the existing legislation.
Proposed Changes and Expanded Scope
The committee was further informed that the current law primarily applies to public-sector institutions. However, the proposed amendments seek to extend its scope to the private sector as well. The bill proposes the inclusion of terms such as “employee” and “student,” the expansion of the Ombudsperson’s powers, and changes to certain administrative procedures. Under the proposed law, relevant reports and recommendations would also be submitted to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa instead of the Governor.
Stricter Penalties Proposed
During the meeting, MPA Asif Masood proposed that penalties for individuals found guilty of harassing women should be made more stringent and effective to ensure a stronger deterrent against such offences.
Committee's Next Steps
At the conclusion of the meeting, Committee Chairman Munir Hussain Laghmani directed the Law Department to incorporate all practical and constructive suggestions made by committee members into the amendment bill to help ensure a safe, dignified, and conducive working environment for women. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to conducting a clause-by-clause review and final examination of the proposed amendment bill at its next meeting and to formulating its recommendations accordingly.
