Harassment-free work environment to be ensured: Fed ombudsperson

Islamabad: Ombudsperson on Protection from Harassment Kashmala Tariq on Friday said the government is striving to ensure harassment-free and a more dignified work environment in the government and private institutions.

All the people have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation, she said. Inappropriate behaviour is destructive to the individuals and organisations and we will ensure a working environment where all employees feel safe, valued and recognised. She said while talking to Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, acting president FPCCI.

ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed, former president FPCCI Zubair Ahmed Malik and Chairman Coordination FPCCI Malik Sohail Hussain and others were also present on the occasion.

Ms Tariq said that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect otherwise the organizations may face increased sickness and absenteeism, deterioration in performance, low motivation, loss of confidence, lower productivity, de-motivation, and increased cost of doing business.

Ms Tariq and Mr Nasir agreed to sign MoU to improve the working environment in various organisations and hold seminars in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. All the issues related to harassment weather victim is a woman or a man will be taken up if any such case is reported to the FPCCI, Kashmala Tariq said.

Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir also lauded the initiatives of the office of Ombudsperson on Protection from Harassment ensuring the full cooperation of the business community of Pakistan. FPCCI will circulate the related information among all the business chambers and trade associations, he added.

Malik Sohail Hussain said that harassment at work is more prevalent than many people believe. Therefore, every organisation should work to ensure that they replace inappropriate behaviour with positive behaviour.