In Punjab, the Provincial Ombudsperson, the Women Protection Authority, and the Department of Women Development are tasked with handling cases of harassment. While all three departments claim to protect the rights of women in the province, the resultant bureaucratic maze enervates victims seeking justice.
Asiya Ashraf, a victim of workplace harassment, revealed that as a government employee, she initially contacted the Women Development Department's helpline. After filing a complaint, she was directed to the Punjab Women Protection Authority, which promised her justice. However, she was later told to approach the office of the Provincial Ombudsperson for Women. “My case is still pending while no hearing could be scheduled. I seek justice irrespective of which institution delivers it. Women should not be caught in the crossfire of inter-institutional conflicts and jurisdictional disputes,” opined Asiya.
According to Advocate Amna Malik, a women's rights activist, there is a lack of coordination between the Women Protection Authority, Provincial Ombudsperson for Women, and the Department of Women Development, all of which are currently working to address harassment against women.
“As a result, victims are often caught in the middle, shuttling between these institutions. Each institution has its own set of boundaries and limitations while their jurisdictions are not clearly defined. Due to a lack of effective legislation, women remain uncertain about where to report harassment incidents. Ideally, all harassment cases should be handled under one umbrella, with all institutions linked together to avoid troubling women. Although their goals are the same, they operate without harmony. Furthermore, the physical distance between these institutions, which are 15 to 20 kilometres apart, forces affected women to undertake lengthy journeys. This, combined with the institutions' bureaucratic and administrative struggles, leads to women facing significant challenges and exploitation while seeking justice,” highlighted Malik.
According to documents obtained by Express Tribune, the departments of education, health, police, population welfare, information, minorities, transport, and social welfare have the highest number of working women in Punjab. Up to 6,654 harassment cases were reported over the past four years, with 1,358 cases received in 2021 and 1,950 cases registered in the first five months of 2025, reflecting a 245 per cent rise in incidence of the crime.
Chairperson of the Women Protection Authority, Hina Pervaiz Butt, revealed that the Punjab Ombudsperson office only dealt with workplace harassment cases. “On the other hand, the Women Protection Authority specifically focuses on domestic violence, rape, and honor killings and provides immediate help, legal guidance, shelter homes, and other facilities to the affected women. Both institutions are playing an active and effective role in their respective jurisdictions for ensuring justice and protecting the rights of women,” informed Butt.
“More complaints have been received due to public awareness over the past five years, and the case pendency is zero. Both parties make a compromise in many harassment cases and complaints are resolved in a short time,” claimed Punjab Ombudsperson Nabila Hakim Ali Khan.
On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Secretary of Women Development, Kiran Fazal Butt, claimed that the department had established a helpline,1043 for reporting harassment incidents, which works under the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women.
Provincial Minister of Information Uzma Bukhari said that on the special directive of Chief Minister Punjab, a strict stance has been taken against harassers. “All three institutions are working within their own boundaries and the government is creating a conducive environment for women in every department,” said Bukhari.
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