ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The Federal Ombudsperson for Anti-Harassment has declared policies restricting housing for bachelor men and women, or denying them residential facilities, as illegal and unconstitutional.
According to details, Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar issued the ruling on a petition filed by a woman who was refused a rental home solely because of her bachelor status.
The petitioner stated that in an attempt to harass the tenant, basic utilities such as electricity and water were forcibly disconnected.
In her decision, the Ombudsperson clarified that marital status or gender-based discrimination against bachelors cannot serve as a lawful justification to deny housing. Such actions violate fundamental constitutional principles, including equality, human dignity, and freedom of residence.
Observations and recommendations from FOSPA have been forwarded to federal and provincial authorities, rent controllers, housing regulators, local governments, and all relevant stakeholders in the housing sector.
The case was disposed of following the decision.