Pakistani women will now be entitled to a maternity leave of 6 months and men to a paternity leave of 3 months, according to a new bill passed by the Senate. The legislation was moved by the PPP's Senator Quratulain Marri.
This leave can be availed three times during service. Any further parental leave after that will be considered to be deducted from the employee's leave account or else as extraordinary leave without pay.
In addition to the 6 months for mothers and 3 for fathers, the Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill also allows mothers an additional 3-month leave and fathers an extra 1-month leave if they so desire. This optional extension of leave will be unpaid. Employers can no longer fire an employee for seeking leave as outlined in this Bill.
Government legislators and representatives opposed the bill despite it being passed. Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar took the view that it was not necessary to allow such long parental leaves in the country.
This leave can be availed three times during service. Any further parental leave after that will be considered to be deducted from the employee's leave account or else as extraordinary leave without pay.
In addition to the 6 months for mothers and 3 for fathers, the Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill also allows mothers an additional 3-month leave and fathers an extra 1-month leave if they so desire. This optional extension of leave will be unpaid. Employers can no longer fire an employee for seeking leave as outlined in this Bill.
Government legislators and representatives opposed the bill despite it being passed. Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar took the view that it was not necessary to allow such long parental leaves in the country.