How to file a complaint

Prepare a clear account of what happened and collect relevant information.

Complaint preparation checklist

1. A written statement

   Include:

   • Your name and safe contact information.
   • Your employer’s name and workplace address.
   • The accused person’s name and designation, if known.
   • What happened, including dates, times and locations.
   • Whether there were previous incidents.
   • Whether you already reported the matter internally.
   • What action or protection you are requesting.
   • Sign and date your complaint. FOSPAH’s filing rules require a signed complaint.

2. Supporting material

   Bring or attach copies of relevant:

   • Messages, emails or other communications.
   • Screenshots showing relevant dates, sender details and context.
   • Work-related documents, if relevant.
   • Witness names and contact information.
   • Previous complaints, replies or acknowledgement receipts.

   Keep original records safe. Do not edit screenshots, delete messages or publish private evidence online. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain additional evidence.

3. Identification and contact details

   Keep a copy of your CNIC, if you have one, and the contact information requested by the receiving office.

FOSPAH’s published complaint rules specify the facts, supporting material, witness information and a signed complaint. The office may request further documents. Ask the relevant authority for its current checklist before filing.

Through your workplace

1. Ask HR or administration for the Internal Inquiry Committee’s contact details.
2. Submit your written complaint to a committee member.
3. Attach relevant supporting material.
4. Ask for written confirmation of receipt.
5. Keep a copy and ask how the inquiry will proceed.

If the complaint concerns someone who controls the committee, explain this when seeking guidance about the appropriate reporting route.

Through the relevant ombudsperson

You can seek an external complaint process under the applicable law.

For federal complaints within its jurisdiction, FOSPAH accepts complaints through its official complaint system and other published filing channels.

FOSPAH online complaint portal:
https://complaints.fospah.gov.pk/login External site

The portal provides registration options using CNIC, email address or phone number. Follow its current instructions and check what documents must be uploaded.

Need help using the portal? Step-by-step guide to the FOSPAH portal (PDF, English only)

Punjab: confirm the correct office through Punjab Women’s Helpline 1043. Contact details are further down this page.

• Keep your complaint, attachments and receipts.
• Record the date of submission and any reference number.
• Ask how to check the complaint’s progress.
• Keep subsequent messages from the committee or authority.
• If you face pressure, threats or retaliation, document what happened and inform the authority handling your complaint.

The inquiry committee or ombudsperson examines the complaint under the applicable procedure. The parties may be asked to provide their accounts and supporting information.

If harassment is established, the relevant law may allow disciplinary action.

You should be informed of the decision and any applicable appeal procedure. Under Punjab law, you can generally appeal the competent authority’s decision to the provincial ombudsperson within 30 days. Confirm the deadline and route that apply to your case.

A person should not be punished or threatened for making a complaint or participating in an inquiry.

If you are pressured to withdraw a complaint, threatened with dismissal or treated unfairly because you reported harassment, record what happened and inform the authority handling your case.

You can also ask whether temporary workplace arrangements are available to reduce unnecessary contact or address safety concerns while the matter is considered.

Before leaving a workplace, committee or government office, make sure you know:

• Who received your complaint?
• How to contact that person or office.
• Whether you received a reference number or acknowledgement.
• What happens next?
• When and how to follow up.