QUETTA: The Balochistan women development department and the Quetta divisional administration have agreed to work together to provide assistance to women, protect them from harassment, and create opportunities for their advancement in all fields.

For this purpose, special committees will be formed in all government departments under the Anti-Harassment Act.

Dr Rubaba Khan Buledi, the chief minister’s adviser on Women Development, in a meeting with Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqat discussed efforts to promote gender equality in the province.

She said that as parliamentary secretary for health, she had established special spaces for women at various public places in Quetta, including courts, universities and airport.

These centres provide facilities for working women, including prayer rooms, baby feeding, and rest areas. However, some of the centers were still inactive, she noted.

She highlighted the need to provide a safe environment for women at workplaces, stating that harassment was a serious offense under the law and would not be tolerated.

She warned that any complaint of harassment would be thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty would be punished, including termination of employment.

The adviser said that all departments must establish anti-harassment committees under the Anti-Harassment Act, and progress reports be submitted.

A deadline would be set for all the departments to establish the committees, and if they failed to comply, the relevant administrative secretaries and the chief secretary would be informed in writing to take action against the relevant officials.

The Quetta commissioner expressed the hope that joint efforts would be made for women’s protection and progress.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2024