Parliamentary Committee Challenges Bank Dress Codes for Women

Government and Lawmakers Oppose Mandatory Abaya Requirements

A parliamentary committee has joined forces with the government to urge the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to prohibit commercial banks from enforcing mandatory abaya policies for female employees. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance raised concerns that requiring women to wear the religious garment violates personal freedoms and imposes unnecessary religious conformity in the workplace. Senator Zarqa Suharwardy highlighted the issue, stating that Pakistani women already dress modestly and should not be compelled to adopt a specific religious appearance at bank counters.

Senators Condemn Dress Code Enforcement as Overreach

Committee chair Senator Saleem Mandviwala and other members strongly supported the push for regulatory intervention. Senator Farooq Naik likened the enforcement of abayas to forcing men to grow beards, calling it an infringement on individual choice. However, questions arose about the SBP’s authority to regulate internal bank policies, given that dress codes currently vary by institution. A State Bank representative acknowledged the lack of a standardized policy, while Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani pledged to discuss the matter with the SBP governor.

Push for Professional Dress Standards Over Religious Mandates

The committee recommended that the central bank issue a directive promoting a “modest, professional dress code” instead of enforcing religious attire. The move reflects broader debates over workplace dress policies and religious expression in Pakistan, where cultural and professional norms often intersect. If implemented, the new guidelines could set a precedent for gender-inclusive workplace policies in the country’s financial sector.