ISLAMABAD: Ombudswoman on Protection from Harassment, Kashmala Tariq on Friday said the government is striving to ensure harassment-free and dignified work environments.
“Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, as well as, being free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation,” she said.
“Inappropriate behaviour is destructive to individuals and organisations and we will ensure working environments where all employees feel safe, valued and recognised,” she added.
She said this during a meeting with FPCCI Acting President Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed, FPCCI former president Zubair Ahmed Malik and FPCCI Coordination Chairman Malik Sohail Hussain and others.
Kashmala Tariq said that if everyone is no treated with dignity and respect, organisations may face increased absenteeism, deterioration in performance, low motivation, lower productivity, de-motivation, and increased cost of doing business.
During the meeting, the ombudswoman and Syed Mazhar Ali agreed upon signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve the work environment in various organisations and hold seminars in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
“All the issues related to harassment whether the victim is a man or a woman will be taken up if any such case is reported to the FPCCI,” she stated.
At the occasion, Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir lauded the initiatives taken by Kashmala Tariq and ensured the country’s business community’s full cooperation.
“FPCCI will circulate the related information among all business chambers and trade associations,” he said.
Malik Sohail Hussain said that harassment at work is more prevalent than many people believe. Therefore, every organisation should work to ensure that they put a stop to inappropriate behaviours.
