SECP drafts anti-harassment rules

ISLAMABAD: The securities regulator on Friday proposed new rules for listed companies to adopt anti-harassment policies in line with the country's laws on protecting women and other employees from workplace abuse.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) said in a statement it had issued draft amendments to the Listed Companies (Code of Corporate Governance) Regulations, 2019 for public feedback.

The proposed changes would require boards of directors of listed companies to ensure that their anti-harassment policies comply with the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, and relevant provincial legislation.

The policies would aim to safeguard the rights and well-being of all employees, promote a more inclusive and equitable work culture, and prevent any form of harassment, discrimination or violence at work, the SECP said.

The amendments would also mandate key steps for implementing the anti-harassment policies, such as developing a code of conduct, forming an inquiry committee, appointing a competent authority, and displaying the code of conduct for employees' awareness and access.

The SECP said the initiative was a significant step towards creating a more ethical and responsible corporate sector in Pakistan, and showed its commitment to fostering safe and empowering workplaces for all.