The National Highway Authority (NHA) has warned its employees against workplace harassment after receiving at least 10 verbal complaints from female interns alleging inappropriate conduct by officers and officials during the current year.
The complaints have been brought to the attention of the authority’s Committee for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, prompting the committee to issue a circular reminding employees to maintain professional standards and avoid harassment or misconduct.
According to sources cited by The Nation, at least 10 female interns approached the committee with verbal complaints against NHA officers and officials. The allegations have prompted the authority to reiterate the importance of appropriate behaviour and professionalism in the workplace.
The committee’s circular directs employees to refrain from any form of harassment or inappropriate conduct. It also highlights the need to maintain a respectful professional environment, particularly for interns and other individuals beginning their careers.
The development has brought workplace safety and the protection of female interns into focus, highlighting the importance of clear reporting procedures and effective institutional responses to complaints.
Internships provide students and recent graduates with opportunities to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and understand workplace expectations. A safe and respectful working environment is essential to ensuring that young professionals can benefit from these opportunities without fear of inappropriate behaviour.
Complaints of workplace harassment also underline the importance of ensuring that employees understand the standards expected of them. Clear workplace policies, awareness programmes and accessible complaint mechanisms can help institutions address concerns and reinforce professional conduct.
For public-sector organisations such as the NHA, maintaining accountability is particularly important because workplace practices can affect employee confidence, institutional credibility and the experience of people entering the workforce.
The committee’s intervention signals that the complaints have been brought to the authority’s attention. However, the allegations should be distinguished from established findings, as the available information does not specify whether formal investigations have been completed or disciplinary action has been taken against any individuals.
Effective handling of such complaints generally requires confidential reporting channels, fair investigations and protection against retaliation for individuals who raise concerns. These measures can help ensure that complaints are assessed appropriately while respecting the rights of everyone involved.
The reported complaints also highlight the importance of informing interns about the procedures available to them if they experience or witness inappropriate conduct. Employees and supervisors should understand their responsibilities and know how to report concerns through the relevant institutional channels.
As the issue draws attention to workplace harassment within the National Highway Authority, the focus will remain on how the organisation responds to the complaints and ensures that professional standards are upheld.
The matter underscores a broader need for public and private institutions across Pakistan to promote respectful workplaces, strengthen complaint-handling procedures and ensure that internship programmes offer a safe environment for learning and professional development.