Senate Committee Directs Islamic Banks Not to Compel Female Employees to Wear Abayas

Pakistan's Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue has directed Islamic banks not to require female employees to wear abayas as part of workplace dress requirements.

The committee emphasized that employees should not be compelled to adopt a specific form of dress and called for workplace policies that are applied fairly and consistently.

Committee Calls for Uniform Dress Code Standards

During its proceedings, the committee stated that banks should observe a modest national dress code that applies equally to all employees, regardless of gender.

Lawmakers stressed that workplace attire should reflect professionalism while respecting employees' freedom of choice within established national standards.

SBP Asked to Issue Updated Guidelines

The committee instructed all banks to submit their existing dress code policies for review.

It also requested that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) develop updated guidelines to ensure that workplace dress policies do not involve unnecessary compulsion and are implemented consistently across the banking sector.

Focus on Professionalism and Equality

According to the committee, workplace dress codes should promote:

• Professional appearance
• Modesty in accordance with workplace standards
• Equal application of policies
• Respect for employees' dignity and choice
• Consistent institutional practices

The discussion reflects broader efforts to ensure that workplace policies balance organizational requirements with employee rights.

Why Dress Code Policies Matter

Dress code policies are commonly used to maintain a professional working environment and establish consistent standards within organizations.

Policymakers noted that such policies should be clear, transparent, and applied without unnecessary discrimination or coercion.

Conclusion

The committee's directives underline the importance of reviewing workplace policies to ensure they align with professional standards, fairness, and equal treatment of employees.

Further guidance from the State Bank of Pakistan is expected to help banks implement consistent dress code practices across the sector.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and news-reporting purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. Readers are encouraged to refer to official statements for the latest updates.