The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has issued a binding directive ordering a private firm to reinstate a female employee who was dismissed while on approved maternity leave. In addition to the reinstatement, the ombudsperson has mandated that the company pay the woman Rs 500,000 as compensation for the wrongful termination.
The employee, who had been with the organization for several years, was let go during the period of her maternity leave, a time that Pakistani labour law explicitly protects. The dismissal came after the company received her formal notice of leave and her medical certificate confirming the pregnancy. The decision to terminate her employment was therefore deemed a clear violation of the provisions that safeguard working mothers.
Under the Protection Against Harassment Act and the Maternity Benefits Act, employers are required to maintain an employee’s position or provide an equivalent role upon return from maternity leave. FOSPAH’s ruling reaffirms that these statutes are enforceable and that any breach can result in both reinstatement and monetary redress. The Rs 500,000 award covers lost wages, benefits, and the emotional distress caused by the abrupt dismissal.
The firm has not yet issued a public statement regarding the order. In the absence of a response, industry observers note that the decision sets a precedent for other employers who may be tempted to sidestep maternity protections. It also signals that regulatory bodies are actively monitoring compliance with labour laws that protect women’s rights in the workplace.
For working mothers across Pakistan, the ruling underscores that maternity leave is not a period of vulnerability but a protected right. Employers will now face stricter scrutiny, and employees can expect that violations will be met with decisive legal action. The case serves as a reminder that the protection of women’s employment rights is a priority for both the government and the private sector.