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ACT I OF 2016 ACT I OF 2016 BALOCHISTAN PROTECTION AGAINST HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT THE WORKPLACE ACT, 2016 An Act to provide for the protection of women against harassment at the workplace [Gazette of Balochistan Extraordinary, 22nd January, 2016] No.PAB/Legis:V(07)/2015/5863, dated 22.1.2016.---The Balochistan Protection Against Harassment of Women At Work Place Bill, 2015 (Bill No 07 of 2015) having been passed by the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan on 16th January 2016, and assented by the Governor, Balochistan on 21st January 2016, is hereby Published as an Act of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. Preamble.---WHEREAS, the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan recognizes the fundamental rights of every citizens of Pakistan to dignity of person, it is expedient to provide for the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace and the matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto; It is hereby enacted as follows:- 8. Ombudsperson to enquire into complaint.---(1) Any employee shall have the option to prefer a complaint either to the Ombudsperson or the Inquiry Committee. (2) The Ombudsperson shall within 3 days of receiving a complaint issue a written show cause notice to the accused. The accused after the receipt of written notice, shall submit written defense to the Ombudsperson within five days and his failure to do so without reasonable cause the Ombudsperson may proceed ex parte. Both the parties can represent themselves. (3) The Ombudsperson shall conduct an inquiry into the matter according to the rules made under this Act and conduct proceedings as the Ombudsperson deems proper. (4) For the purposes of an investigation under this Act, the Ombudsperson may require any office or member of an organization concerned to furnish any information or to produce any document which in the opinion of the Ombudsperson is relevant and helpful in the conduct of the investigation. (5) The Ombudsperson shall record his decision and inform both parties and the management of the concerned organization for implementation of the orders.