FOSPAH Issues Crucial Ruling on Paternity Leave: A New Standard for Workplace Equality
In a significant blow to gender discrimination within the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has issued a landmark decision. The ruling mandates paternity leave as standard practice upon child birth, with immediate enforcement and penalties imposed on those who deny such rights.
The announcement was made through social media channels by Fozia Viqar, the Federal Ombudsperson. She highlighted that an employee of the SBP Banking Services Corporation had been subjected to gender discrimination when his request for paternity leave was denied—a decision that she deemed discriminatory and in violation of legal rights.
Upon receiving a complaint from this officer regarding unfair treatment, FOSPAH promptly intervened. Viqar ordered the State Bank to provide 30 days of paid paternity leave as compensation for any loss incurred due to their unjust act, while also demanding that SBP establish formal policies adhering to the Maternity and Paternity Leave Act, 2023.
The officer’s complaint surfaced after attempts were made to request paternity leave, only to be rejected. This decision underscored the inadequacy of existing formal policies within the organization, prompting FOSPAH’s intervention to correct this disparity.
The ombudsperson’s ruling marked a shift towards gender equality in the workplace by affirming that childcare responsibilities are not exclusively women’s domain. By mandating paternity leave as part of their employee benefits package, FOSPAH aims to encourage shared parental roles and support families.
In addition to providing compensation for the officer, FOSPAH also instructed that Rs400,000 from the imposed fine be distributed in a balanced manner: one-third to the complainant as direct compensation, another third into national savings accounts to promote financial literacy, and the remaining quarter deposited back into the treasury. The overall goal is to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining fiscal health.
The Federal Ombudsperson’s decision has significant implications for public sector institutions in Pakistan, setting a new standard of equality within work environments. It signals a step forward in addressing gender disparities and promoting balanced family responsibilities through policy reform. This move aims to create an inclusive workplace culture where both parents feel supported as they balance their professional lives with parenthood.
This landmark ruling by FOSPAH not only sets a precedent but also encourages other organizations to adopt similar measures, fostering environments that support diversity and enhance the overall well-being of employees and their families.