FOSPAH Fines Private Company Rs1.2 Million for Terminating Woman During Maternity Leave
ISLAMABAD, June 23, 2026 — Pakistan’s Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million on a private company for unlawfully terminating a female employee during her maternity leave.
The decision was issued by Federal Ombudsperson Fozia Waqar, who also directed the organization to implement comprehensive corrective measures.
According to FOSPAH, the complainant was working in the accounting department of the private firm and was dismissed through a phone call while she was on approved maternity leave.
The ruling stated that terminating a woman during maternity leave constitutes harmful conduct and is considered discriminatory and equivalent to psychological harassment under the law.
In addition to the financial penalty, the company has been instructed not to take any retaliatory action against the complainant and to ensure full compliance with workplace protection laws.
FOSPAH emphasized that such actions violate protections granted to women employees and undermine workplace equality standards. The institution further directed employers to ensure that maternity leave benefits are fully respected in accordance with legal provisions.
