In a landmark decision, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has ruled that fathers are entitled to 30 days of paternity leave. The ruling reinforces that childcare is a shared parental responsibility.
The decision followed a complaint filed by a bank officer. He had requested 30 days of leave after the birth of his son. However, his employer rejected the request, stating that such leave did not exist under its policy.
The officer based his application on Section 4 of the Maternity and Paternity Leave Act, 2023. Consequently, he approached the ombudsperson for relief.
Ombudsperson Orders Leave and Compensation
After reviewing the case, the ombudsperson directed the State Bank’s subsidiary to grant the officer 30 days of paternity leave with full salary.
Moreover, the authority imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on the institution. Out of this amount, Rs400,000 will be paid to the complainant. The remaining Rs100,000 must be deposited into the national exchequer within 30 days.
Additionally, the order instructed the bank to amend its leave policy. The revised policy must fully align with the Maternity and Paternity Leave Act, 2023.
Denial Termed Gender-Based Harassment
The ruling clarified that denying paternity leave constitutes gender-based harassment under the law. It emphasized that such refusal violates principles of equality in the workplace.
Furthermore, the decision stated that restricting fathers from taking leave undermines shared parenting responsibilities. It also harms the best interests of the child.
Therefore, institutions must ensure equal treatment when implementing parental leave policies.
Strengthening Workplace Equality
The ombudsperson highlighted that both maternity and paternity leave support the well-being of families. These protections ensure that parents can care for newborns during a critical period.
As a result, the decision sets an important precedent for workplace rights in Pakistan. Employers must now comply with the legal framework governing parental leave.
Moreover, organizations must update policies to prevent discrimination. Failure to comply could lead to penalties and legal consequences.
A Significant Step Forward
This ruling marks a significant development in workplace equality. It reinforces that caregiving responsibilities do not rest solely on mothers.
Consequently, fathers now have clearer legal protection to claim paternity leave. The decision also strengthens enforcement of the 2023 law.
Overall, the mandatory 30-day paternity leave ruling promotes fairness, shared responsibility, and compliance with national legislation.
