Discrimination for wearing veil

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

RECENTLY, my friend and I went to a pharmaceutical company to pursue our internship in the industry.

On the second day of joining the company, we were both called by the deputy production manager who made it clear that we could not continue our internship if we wish to wear the hijab, as it was against the company’s policy.

Surprisingly, both of us wore the lab coats and caps provided by the company over the hijab and our work was not to be affected because of it. Our academic qualification or efficiency was never in question.

We were discriminated because of our hijab; discrimination is to be deplored be it in any form.

ASMA KHAN Karachi

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SSA

Jun 30, 2012 11:34pm

So called

Recommend 0

Abdullah

Jun 30, 2012 03:30pm

Where are the so called human rights champions now ? All asleep ?

Recommend 0

Amn

Jun 30, 2012 04:27pm

A shame. But stay firm and you will get better opportunity. My father and my uncle kept their stance years back and today they are at the top in their professions. So despair not and know that you did right.

Recommend 0

Muhammad Khaleeq

Jun 30, 2012 06:33pm

Hjab is not a problem. Niqab is problem. When you go through a passport you need to show for identity.

Recommend 0

Kamran

Jul 01, 2012 01:18am

If you think you were discriminated then you can take legal action. Better consult with a lawyer. Now this is another thing that legal process may take time as is the case in Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Wilber

Jun 30, 2012 09:59pm

Why wasn't they informed of 'company’s policy' before they started work? My guess is that they were but chose to ignore it. Do you all assume there is no validity of such Company's Policies?

Recommend 0

Anthony

Jun 30, 2012 02:32pm

Why wear just a hijab? Better wear a black, all enveloping burqa, with a net on the eyes. You can wear the lab coat and the cap provided by the company, over your burqa. Your work will not be affected even because of your burqa.

Recommend 0

Agha Ata

Jun 30, 2012 01:04pm

Not long ago, HIJAB used to be an abstract noun. Not anymore! Now it is a piece of cloth. But if you can't have the REAL HIJAB without it, in a male society, by all means, wear it.

Recommend 0

Dr Imran Ahmed

Jun 30, 2012 12:56pm

It does seem odd that while wearing a cap your hijab was noticeable. Do you refer to a mask covering the face as hijab? Were you unable to properly wear a cap?

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@SecularPakista1

Jun 30, 2012 12:54pm

A private company can set its own rules. There are dress codes that a company requires its employees for both safety and maintaining a professional environment. I am sure they would have required you to change your dress if you would have showed up in a mini skirt. Hijab and miniskirts or keeping a beard or shaving your head is a personal statement. If you do not agree with the company policy then you can quit this job abd better, start your own company, requiring all, including men to wear hijab, if you wish.

Recommend 0

A.K.K

Jul 01, 2012 10:46am

The manager did well !!!!

Recommend 0

A,K

Jul 01, 2012 10:44am

all kudos to the manager !

Recommend 0

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