National Commission on the Status of Women expresses serious concern over the reported exchange during the Senate Standing Committee on Communications meeting involving Senator Palwasha Khan and Federal Minister Aleem Khan. Parliamentary oversight, including questioning of public projects, is a legitimate constitutional function and must be exercised in an environment free from intimidation, humiliation, or hostility. Any conduct that creates an unsafe or disrespectful workplace for women legislators reflects systemic issues of workplace harassment within political institutions. Parliament must uphold the highest standards of dignity, respect, and accountability, and ensure strict compliance with laws on protection against harassment. NCSW reiterates that democratic spaces must enable women to participate fully and fearlessly, and calls for institutional mechanisms to be strengthened to prevent and address such conduct.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
