LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Punjab government to submit a reply regarding the delay in appointing a provincial women ombudsperson, with the position remaining vacant for over a year.
Justice Mr. Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal heard the petition filed by Ms. Sumaira Nasarullah, a senior clerk in the office of the Advocate General Punjab, who alleged workplace harassment and sought relief under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. She argued that the prolonged vacancy had deprived her of access to the statutory forum meant for resolving such complaints.
Representing the petitioner, Advocate Mr. Azhar Siddique contended that the matter involved the enforcement of fundamental rights of working women across the province. He emphasized that the continued absence of a women ombudsperson had rendered the legal protections under the 2010 Act ineffective.
The counsel further argued that without a functioning ombudsperson’s office, women facing workplace harassment in Punjab were left without a dedicated institutional mechanism for redress, amounting to a failure by the provincial government to uphold constitutional and legal obligations.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Mr. Iqbal issued notice to the Punjab government, seeking an explanation for the delay in filling the position despite its long-standing vacancy.
The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, provides for the appointment of a provincial ombudsperson to address harassment complaints and offer swift relief through a specialized mechanism, avoiding lengthy court procedures.
The case underscores the gap between legislation and its implementation, highlighting the challenges faced by women in accessing timely justice due to the absence of the designated authority.
