Zardari signs anti-women harassment bill

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Protection Against Harassment of Women Bill, 2010, which prohibits harassment of women at the workplace.

Addressing a gathering of some distinguished women guests at the Presidency after signing the historic bill, Zardari said people wanting to harm the ideology of Muhammed Ali Jinnah would not be spared, and that the government is committed to providing a bright future for the coming generations.

“We have to create a Pakistan where the coming generations, my daughters, can be proud of the fact that they live on an equal level as men. We will make sure that those who wish to harm the ideology of Quaid-e-Azam, which was equality for men and women, shall not succeed,” Zardari, as said.

Zardari also asked the private sector to cooperate in the implementation of the act in letter and spirit, The Daily Times reports.

Under the bill, each organisation would constitute an inquiry committee, comprising three members, including a female member, within 30 days to enquire into complaints

The Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill makes the offence punishable with imprisonment, which may extend to three years, or a fine of up to 500,000 rupees or both.(ANI)