Punjab women ombudsperson vows stronger women's protection, awareness

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Apr, 2026) Punjab Provincial Women Ombudsperson, Dr. Najma Afzal Khan on Wednesday said the initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to establish and strengthen ombudsperson offices across the province was aimed at ensuring protection of women against harassment and denial of rights.

Addressing a press conference at the Regional Office (Mohtasib) Rawalpindi, she said the government was committed to dismantling practices that deprive women of their legal and social rights.

She said regional offices had been established at divisional level, including Rawalpindi, to facilitate women in lodging complaints related to workplace harassment, domestic issues and denial of inheritance and property rights.

The ombudsperson said the institution also provides legal assistance to women who could not afford counsel, while those hiring private lawyers were also facilitated in pursuing their cases.

Sharing performance data, she informed media reps that over 11,000 complaints had been received across Punjab since the establishment of the office, of which around 1,400 were found valid.

"More than 1,300 cases have been decided, ensuring relief to victims and punishment to those found guilty, while some cases were still under process", she added.

Dr. Najma said awareness campaigns were being launched with the support of educational institutions and media to encourage women to come forward and report grievances. She highlighted that most complaints in Rawalpindi were being reported from hospitals and educational institutions.

"Regular visits are being conducted to government departments and hospitals to monitor the workplace environment and train Harassment Committees established in government functionaries, for effective complaint redressal, she said.

Earlier, upon her arrival, the Regional Ombudsperson/ Judge Raja Adnan briefed her about the performance of the Rawalpindi office, stating that a majority of cases related to harassment and a significant disposal rate had been achieved.

Dr. Najma reviewed attendance records of the staff and directed officials to ensure prompt and merit-based disposal of cases. She assured that issues faced by the Rawalpindi office would be resolved on priority.

She said the number of complaints was increasing, reflecting growing public trust, and efforts were underway to enhance accessibility, including introducing an online complaint submission system.

Responding to miscellaneous media queries, she said legal protection was provided in sensitive cases where women feared retaliation or pressure, adding that regular monitoring and training of grievance committees was being carried out and performance reports were reviewed on a monthly basis.

Registration of harassment cases at women's police stations has seen a significant decline. Action is being taken against those who create unrest or target women, she said.

The ombudsperson highlighted that implementation of the Code of Conduct and the formation of Inquiry Committees are being ensured in workplaces where women are employed.

Dr. Najma reiterated that the ombudsperson office was committed to safeguarding women’s rights, including protection against harassment as well as ensuring fair share in inheritance and property matters.