9 harassment laws that every Pakistani woman MUST be aware of!

Ranking among the lowest on the gender equality index, Pakistani women have to face grave challenges like harassment, catcalling, and stalking whenever they step out of their house as well.

The statistics claim that 99% of women in Pakistan have faced some form of harassment at least once in their lifetime. However, if you travel by public transport, it may be your daily plight.

Sexual harassment is a violation of an individual’s fundamental ‘’right to dignity” as preserved in the Constitution of Pakistan. But the existing situation further aggravates with the acknowledgment that women aren’t even aware of their legal position under the Pakistani law.

The law empowers women against every minor and major offense related to harassment. 

The following legislation governs the law of harassment in the country:

Section 510 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a drunken person appears in a public place, causing annoyance to any person, he can be punished with imprisonment or fine or both.

Section 509 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a person labels any woman, utters any disrespectful word, or is offensive by their gesture, he’s liable to the punishment of three years or fine or both.

Section 366A of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a girl under the age of 18 is forced to perform sexual intercourse, the offender is liable to a punishment of 10 years and fine.

Section 509 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a person demands sexual favors and uses a verbal or non-verbal form of communication, causing any kind of annoyance, the person is liable to a punishment of three years or fine or both.

Section 509 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a person makes a false accusation of fornication against any woman, he is liable to five years in prison along with a fine.

Section 354A of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a person assaults a woman using criminal force, stripping off her clothes and exposing her to public view, he is liable to be punished with death or imprisonment for life along with fine.

Section 294 of Pakistan Penal Code 1860: If a person uses any indecent or vulgar language in a public place with an intention to offend, he is liable to the punishment of three years along with fine.

According to Section 3 of the Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, each organization has to constitute an inquiry committee to inquire into complaints made regarding workplace harassment. The committee should comprise of three members. One member should be a woman.

According to Section 2(H) of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, anyone making an unwelcoming sexual advance, requests for sexual favors, or his any verbal or physical conduct (falls in the category of workplace harassment) causes interference with work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment for fellow co-workers, can be liable to following penalties

Minor penalties:-

• Censure withholding for a specific period
• Promotion or increment stoppage for a specific period
• Recovery or compensation, payable to the complainant from pay or any other source of the accused

Major Penalties:-

• Reduction to a lower post
• Compulsory retirement
• Removal from service
• Dismissal from service or fine.

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