Men in Pakistan are increasingly turning to formal legal channels to report workplace harassment, with official records showing that more than 500 men filed complaints with the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment in a single year.
According to official documents, a total of 1,290 harassment complaints were filed by men and women during the reporting period. Of these, 1,104 cases were disposed of, reflecting a significant volume of resolved complaints under the country’s workplace harassment framework.
Men account for a substantial share of complaints
The data shows that 769 complaints were filed by women, while 521 were lodged by men. This means men accounted for roughly 40 percent of all harassment cases reported to the federal ombudsperson, highlighting a notable shift in reporting patterns.
While women remain the majority of complainants, officials say the figures indicate growing awareness among men about their right to seek redress for harassment at work.
Islamabad leads in reported cases
Islamabad recorded the highest number of complaints for both men and women. Among male complainants, the capital accounted for the largest share of cases, followed by Punjab.
In other regions, 42 men approached the ombudsperson in Peshawar, 24 in Karachi, and two in Balochistan to report workplace harassment. The regional breakdown suggests that access to reporting mechanisms and awareness levels vary significantly across provinces.
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Women still report higher numbers overall
For female complainants, Islamabad again led with 496 cases, while Punjab recorded 154 complaints during the same period. Officials say the higher figures from Islamabad may reflect the concentration of federal institutions, corporate offices, and awareness of complaint procedures in the capital.
Reporting trends point to changing attitudes
Experts say the data reflects a gradual change in social attitudes, with more men willing to report harassment rather than remain silent due to stigma or fear of reputational harm. The growing number of male complainants also highlights that workplace harassment affects employees across genders and sectors.
The figures suggest that while women continue to face a disproportionate burden of workplace harassment, men are increasingly using official mechanisms to seek accountability.
Authorities say sustained awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement remain essential to ensure safe and respectful workplaces for all employees across Pakistan.
