Harassment—whether in the workplace, online, or in public spaces—is a growing concern in Pakistan. Despite increased awareness, many victims still don’t report harassment due to fear, social stigma, or lack of knowledge about their legal rights.
At Anchan Law, we are committed to empowering individuals—especially women and marginalized groups—by offering legal protection and advocacy under Pakistan’s harassment laws. Whether you are facing workplace harassment, cyber harassment, or blackmail, knowing your rights is the first step toward justice.
What Is Harassment Under Pakistani Law?
Harassment is broadly defined as unwelcome behavior that causes humiliation, intimidation, or a hostile environment. It can be:
- Physical (e.g., unwanted touching or gestures)
- Verbal (e.g., sexual jokes, derogatory comments, threats)
- Visual or written (e.g., lewd messages, emails, or social media posts)
- Psychological (e.g., blackmail, constant stalking, intimidation)
Pakistani law recognizes different types of harassment depending on the context:
Key Harassment Laws in Pakistan
1. Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010
This law protects women and men from harassment at their workplaces and requires every employer (public or private) to:
- Establish an internal inquiry committee
- Display a code of conduct
- Report findings to the Ombudsperson
- Take disciplinary action against harassers
Victims can file a complaint directly with the Federal or Provincial Ombudsperson for swift relief.
2. Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)
Under the PPC, harassment-related offenses include:
- Section 509: Insulting the modesty of a woman (punishable with up to 3 years in prison)
- Section 354: Assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation and threats
3. Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016
- Cyber harassment and online abuse are governed under PECA, including:
- Section 21: Cyberstalking or blackmail
- Section 24: Sending offensive messages
- Section 20: Online defamation
- Section 22: Fake profiles, unauthorized use of images or videos
Victims can file an online complaint with FIA Cyber Crime Wing or through legal counsel.
Harassment at the Workplace – Your Legal Rights
Workplace harassment is not limited to physical misconduct. It can include offensive jokes, gender-based discrimination, or unfair treatment by supervisors.
Victims have the right to:
- File an internal complaint (through the employer’s committee)
- Seek independent redress before the Provincial Ombudsperson
- Obtain legal remedies like reinstatement, compensation, and disciplinary action
At Anchan Law, we assist clients in filing complaints, representing them before ombudspersons, and ensuring their cases are handled fairly and professionally.
Cyber Harassment – A Rising Threat
Online harassment has become alarmingly common. Victims—especially women—are often targeted on social media through:
- Fake accounts
- Non-consensual sharing of private content
- Threats of exposure or blackmail
- Cyberbullying or trolling
Filing a case under PECA 2016 involves collecting digital evidence, reporting to FIA, and filing a complaint in the Cyber Crime Court.
Anchan Law provides complete guidance from complaint drafting to representation before courts and tribunals.
How We Help at Anchan Law
Whether you are a victim of sexual, verbal, or cyber harassment, our team ensures your safety, dignity, and legal rights are fully protected. Our services include:
- Confidential legal consultations
- Drafting and filing harassment complaints
- Representing victims before Ombudspersons and FIA
- Filing defamation or criminal charges against the perpetrator
- Injunctions to prevent further harm or exposure
We handle cases with discretion, empathy, and professionalism, ensuring clients are not retraumatized by the legal process.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you know is facing harassment, remember—you have the right to speak up and seek legal protection. Pakistan’s laws are evolving to provide better protection for victims, but effective enforcement requires informed legal action.
At Anchan Law, we stand beside you every step of the way.
📞 Contact Us Today
For confidential legal advice or to file a harassment complaint, contact us directly. Let us help you take back control—with dignity and legal protection.