Senate passes bill allowing 6-month paid maternity leave, 3-month paternity leave.

ISLAMABAD -- The Senate on Monday passed the Maternity and Paternity Leave Bill, 2018, which makes it mandatory for employers to grant 6-months paid maternity leave and 3-months paid paternity leave.

As per the bill, the leaves policy will be applicable in both public and private establishments in the federal capital territory.

The bill, presented by Senator Quratulain Marri, was passed with a majority of votes, even as government senators opposed the move. It will now be sent to the National Assembly for debate.

'The employees of every establishment shall be provided six-months paid maternity and three-months paternity leave as and when applied by employees, separately from their leave account, commencing from the date as applied by the applicant in the application and supported by a medical certificate,' reads the bill.

Besides, the bill also provides for additional three-month maternity leave and one-month paternity leave, both of which would be unpaid.

The provision for paternity leave 'seeks to provide fathers the opportunity to be there at a crucial time without the added responsibility of the workplace,' the bill states, adding that, 'the early...