ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, on Tuesday emphasized the imperative need to enhance the status of women, create employment opportunities, and foster a conducive working environment to boost women’s empowerment and economic participation.
Chairing an important meeting during his visit to the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace (FOSPAH) Head Office in Islamabad, President Arif Alvi underscored the importance of recognizing and implementing women’s property rights, echoing the principles enshrined in Islam. Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace, Fauzia Viqar, Secretary FOSPAH, Arif Karim, advisors, and officials of FOSPAH.
During the meeting, Fauzia Viqar provided a comprehensive presentation highlighting the role and achievements of FOSPAH in safeguarding women’s rights. She reported that FOSPAH had swiftly delivered justice in harassment cases at the workplace and property disputes involving women.
In 2023 alone, 725 harassment cases were registered, with 517 already resolved. The surge in case registrations was attributed to an awareness campaign elucidating FOSPAH’s role and functions. Viqar informed the gathering that harassment and denial of property rights were pervasive issues in Pakistan.
Commending President Alvi’s consistent support, Viqar shared that 208 representations against FOSPAH decisions had been filed with the President. Out of these, only 10 were under process, with the remaining cases having been resolved.
Pakistan’s President Calls for Legislative Measures to Protect Women
Dr. Arif Alvi called for legislative measures at both federal and provincial levels to protect women’s property rights and discourage undue pressure on women to transfer property to their family members. He expressed his personal commitment to expediting justice by conducting personal hearings of the Ombudspersons’ cases.
The President advocated for publicizing FOSPAH’s crucial decisions in harassment and women’s property cases through the media to raise awareness.
President Alvi urged local police to improve their response to women’s complaints in property cases, emphasizing the need to educate police officials about the provisions of the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act, 2020.
Highlighting the pivotal role of FOSPAH, the President encouraged the organization to expand its outreach, enhance efficiency, and establish stronger connections with NGOs and women’s rights organizations. President Alvi stressed that fostering a harassment-free and enabling environment was crucial for women’s economic and social empowerment.
President Arif Alvi commended FOSPAH for its role in delivering speedy justice to women, acknowledging the critical role played by women-led institutions like FOSPAH in addressing challenges faced by women in workplaces and ensuring their due property rights.
