A significant parliamentary intervention is challenging workplace dress codes for women in Pakistan's financial sector. The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights has taken a firm stance against what it describes as discriminatory practices by commercial banks.
Committee Takes Decisive Action
The Senate committee has formally urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to issue clear directives prohibiting commercial banks from making abayas mandatory for female employees. This decision came during a committee meeting held on November 21, 2025, where lawmakers expressed serious concerns about institutional policies that potentially violate women's rights.
Committee Chairperson Senator Walid Iqbal presided over the session that addressed this pressing issue. The committee members unanimously agreed that forcing specific religious attire on female staff constitutes a form of discrimination that has no place in professional banking environments.
Addressing Discrimination in Banking Sector
The parliamentary body directed the State Bank of Pakistan to take immediate action against commercial banks enforcing such requirements. The committee emphasized that banking institutions should focus on professional competence rather than imposing specific dress codes that could be seen as discriminatory.
This intervention represents a landmark moment for women's workplace rights in Pakistan. The committee's stance acknowledges that female employees should have the freedom to choose their attire within reasonable professional boundaries, without facing mandatory religious dress requirements.
Broader Implications for Workplace Equality
The Senate committee's recommendation to SBP carries significant weight for the entire banking industry. As the central regulatory authority, SBP's compliance with this directive could transform workplace culture across Pakistan's financial institutions.
This development marks a crucial step toward creating more inclusive and equitable work environments. The committee's action demonstrates growing parliamentary awareness about subtle forms of discrimination that affect women's professional lives and career advancement opportunities.
The banking sector, being one of the largest employers of educated women in Pakistan, now faces increased scrutiny regarding its workplace policies. The Senate's intervention could set a precedent for other industries to review and reform their dress code policies to ensure they don't infringe upon individual rights and freedoms.
