The federal ombudsperson for protection against harassment in Islamabad has termed housing restrictions on bachelors and single individuals ‘illegal and unconstitutional.’
Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar stated that there is no policy in Pakistan that restricts someone from renting a home or apartment. She announced this while hearing a case of a single woman who was denied a rental house without any valid reason. The only reason the landlord gave was that she was single.
The ombudsperson also found that people deliberately cut off basic services like electricity and water to harass the woman.
After this decision, no woman will be denied renting a house or apartment in the federal capital, whether she is single or married. According to media reports, strict action will be taken against landlords who deny renting their houses or apartments on the basis that an individual is single.
Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar said that denying rental housing on a discriminatory basis is a violation of the fundamental right to living.
Authorities have formally shared the observations with federal and provincial departments, rent controllers, housing regulators, local governments, and other relevant bodies. The relevant officials resolved the complainant’s issue and dismissed the case.
Also Read, Fire at Islamabad Facilitation Centre brought under control after evacuation
Earlier, the fire broke out on the upper floor of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police Public Facilitation Centre in Islamabad, reportedly caused by a short circuit. The rescue teams immediately responded and evacuated people from the building.
The facilitation centre is reported to be in the F6 area near the Curewell Specialists Clinic. The area is also accompanied by the Police Khidmat Markaz.
