Chitral, May 15, 2026: A delegation from the District Gender Equality Forum and District Gender Desk has raised serious concerns about women’s mental health and other gender-related issues in Chitral.
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The delegation at a meeting with the deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral also discussed lack of enforcement of the 10% job quota, and the need for improved workplace facilities for female employees.
The delegation, led by Forum Chairperson Advocate Niazi A. Niazi, discussed in detail with DC Rao Hashim Azeem the lack of proper implementation of women’s job quotas in government departments.
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They alleged that although vacancies in grades 1 to 10 are regularly advertised, the legally mandated 10% quota is often not clearly mentioned in advertisements, and in some cases, male candidates are appointed against women-reserved seats.
They claimed that female applicants frequently face discouragement during the recruitment process.
The participants also emphasized the need for better workplace arrangements for women, including separate workspaces, washrooms, and retiring rooms to ensure a safe and respectful working environment across departments.
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Deputy Commissioner Azeem appreciated the initiative of forming such forums, calling it a timely and necessary step. He assured full cooperation from the administration and directed the delegation to submit their concerns in writing so that formal correspondence could be sent to relevant departments for action.
He also assured that comprehensive data regarding women’s job quota implementation would be compiled and shared for further review.
The meeting was attended by District Social Welfare Officer, Gender Desk Incharge, Forum Vice Chairperson and other officials, who also discussed key issues affecting women in the district and stressed the need for effective reforms.