ISLAMABAD, July 11, 2026: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed all government and private educational institutions to implement internal harassment policies, form in-house inquiry committees, and prominently display the Code of Conduct for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace.In a 12-page judgment, a two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali ordered federal and provincial education ministries to enforce the guidelines immediately.
The court also restored a five-year service forfeiture penalty against a Faisalabad headmistress who failed to act on written complaints of sexual harassment by a male therapist against female teachers under her supervision. It overturned a Punjab Service Tribunal decision that had reduced the penalty.
The ruling stresses that institutions must conduct independent inquiries, not wait for ombudsman proceedings, and ensure a safe working environment. Heads of institutions have been reminded of their duty to prevent harassment and maintain professionalism.
Source – voicepk.net report
