Press release

WIL and HRCP reject FCC verdict narrowing workplace harassment protections

23 October 2026, Lahore. The Women in Law Initiative Pakistan (WIL), in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), convened a roundtable in Lahore to examine the implications of the Federal Constitutional Court’s recent verdict in Usman Shahid v. Nadia Sarwar and its implications for workplace harassment complaints and women’s safety and dignity at work.

WIL founder Nida Usman Chaudhary pointed out that the verdict, which interpreted workplace harassment as necessarily being sexual in nature, was a departure from the broader interpretation of harassment in Nadia Naz v. President of Pakistan (2023). Participants expressed concern that requiring a sexual element and independent corroboration could narrow access to remedies, given that harassment often occurs in private and includes intimidation, exclusion, stereotyping and other forms of gender-based hostility.

Fazlia Tariq of the Digital Rights Foundation and lawyer Rida Hosain highlighted the difficulties complainants face in reporting abuse and gathering evidence, particularly in cases of cyber-harassment and other violations without witnesses. Shaharbano Raza of the Lahore University of Management Sciences cautioned that the verdict could erode trust in workplace inquiry committees, which take time to establish credibility. Journalist Fatima Razzaq expressed concern about the selective application of harassment laws and the potential effect of the verdict on pending complaints. Aneesa Agha of the Centre for Fundamental Rights questioned whether the issue would recede from public attention, pointing to the need for sustained engagement.

Fazli Hadi of Shirkat Gah highlighted women’s continued underrepresentation in managerial and decision-making positions. Noorzadeh Raja of the Centre for Fundamental Rights urged participants to build alliances with women parliamentarians and engage the National Commission for Human Rights, while Aliza Naqvi of AGHS called for sustained advocacy by HRCP, WIL and other organisations.

Participants also discussed possible legal and institutional responses, including seeking a review of the verdict, mobilising senior lawyers and journalists, engaging with parliamentarians, and assessing the impact of the harassment law over its 16 years of implementation. HRCP treasurer Husain Naqi urged lawyers, civil society organisations and journalists to work together to challenge the ruling. Lawyer Asad Jamal called for close scrutiny of the verdict and an assessment of the law’s record since its enactment, while Sunny Zia of HRCP stressed that advocacy must also address the patriarchal attitudes underpinning workplace harassment.

Participants called for stronger complaint mechanisms, competent guidance for complainants, clear criteria for penalties and well-supported ombudspersons. The roundtable concluded with a call for coordinated, sustained advocacy to protect women’s hard-won rights and ensure safer workplaces.