ISLAMABAD, Oct 29: In a move to bolster protection against workplace harassment, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) Fauzia Viqar visited the office of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ombudsperson Ms. Rubab Mehdi in Peshawar to enhance federal–provincial collaboration.
The meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the two offices to build a unified and accessible redressal framework under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. Both ombudspersons reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that victims particularly women in underserved and remote areas receive timely justice.
Ms. Fauzia Viqar praised the outreach and awareness efforts of the KP Ombudsperson’s Office, noting that closer collaboration is essential to institutional accountability and the implementation of Pakistan’s international commitments, including CEDAW.
“Strong coordination between our offices ensures that every woman no matter how remote her area is heard, protected, and empowered,” said Ms. Viqar.
Ms. Rubab Mehdi highlighted the need for improved data sharing, efficient referral systems, and community engagement to make redressal mechanisms more responsive and effective.
The two offices agreed on joint efforts in awareness campaigns, capacity building, and data collection to inform policy and improve gender equity. The visit was described as a pivotal step toward a gender-responsive justice system that ensures safety, dignity, and equal opportunity in workplaces across Pakistan.
