Islamabad: The Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a fine of Rs 5 million on the State Bank of Pakistan for refusing to grant paternity leave to a bank officer after the birth of his child. The case involved officer Syed Basit Ali, whose request for 30 days of paternity leave was rejected by the bank, citing the absence of a relevant policy.
FOSPAH Chairperson Fouzia Waqar ruled that denying paternity leave constitutes gender-based harassment and violates the Maternity and Paternity Leave Act 2023. The ruling emphasized that childcare responsibilities are not solely the responsibility of women, and refusing leave undermines the child’s welfare.
Out of the total fine, Rs 4 million will be directly paid to the complainant, along with full salary, and Syed Basit Ali will now be granted his full 30-day paternity leave. Additionally, the State Bank has been instructed to create a formal policy for maternity and paternity leave under the 2023 Act to prevent similar cases in the future.
This ruling has been welcomed by labor rights advocates, who say it sets a precedent for workplace equality in Pakistan. It reinforces that both parents share responsibility for childcare and highlights the legal framework protecting employees from discrimination.
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