ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee and the government have directed the State Bank of Pakistan to stop commercial banks from forcing female bankers to wear abayas during working hours. Members of the Senate body argued that there is no need to force women to adopt any specific religious appearance at the workplace. The discussion took place during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance, which examined concerns by lawmakers.
Senator Highlights Complaints Against Islamic Banks
Senator Zarqa Suharwardy reported that several Islamic banks have forced female bankers to wear abayas in banks. She said Pakistani women already wear modest and decent clothing in professional settings. She added that female bankers should not be forced to adopt additional garments to create what she called a “religious look.” Her remarks prompted a broader debate within the committee.
Members Support Intervention Against Mandatory Dress Codes
Committee chair Senator Saleem Mandviwala supported her concerns. Other members also endorsed the call for immediate intervention. Senator Farooq Naik described the practice as a direct violation of personal freedom. He said compelling a female banker to wear an abaya was comparable to forcing a man to grow a beard against his will. However, he also asked how the central bank could regulate internal dress code policies within private financial institutions.
Central Bank Acknowledges Variations in Existing Policies
A representative from the State Bank of Pakistan told the committee that dress code requirements currently vary by bank. He added that the SBP does not enforce a uniform clothing policy for the banking sector. Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani said he had no prior knowledge of the matter. He assured lawmakers that he would raise the issue with the SBP governor for further review.
Committee Seeks Professional and Modest Standards
The Senate committee, therefore, advised the SBP to direct Islamic commercial banks to enforce a modest dress code for all employees. The committee members maintained banks should mandate specific religious garments for female staff.
