Federal Ombudsperson Fines Five Private Company Officials Rs2.7 Million for Workplace Harassment
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has imposed a total fine of Rs2.7 million on five officials of a private company after finding them guilty of workplace harassment and retaliatory conduct against a female employee.
In its ruling, the Ombudsperson stated that courtesy should never be interpreted as consent and stressed that harassment and retaliation in the workplace are unacceptable.
According to the complainant, several company officials engaged in inappropriate behavior. She alleged that one official made personal and unprofessional remarks during a meeting, invited her to meet outside the office, and held her hand while showing her a product sample.
The complainant further alleged that another official attempted to prevent her complaint from moving forward and failed to preserve CCTV footage relevant to the case. She also claimed that a company official made threatening phone calls after she received a legal notice.
The woman stated that persistent pressure and intimidation forced her to resign from her job, while the company withheld her employment documents and outstanding dues.
The accused denied all allegations and defended themselves by focusing on the complainant’s personality, clothing, and private life. However, the Ombudsperson concluded that the available evidence established both workplace harassment and retaliatory actions.
Under the ruling, the five officials were collectively fined Rs2.7 million, with Rs540,000 to be deposited into the national treasury and Rs2.16 million awarded to the complainant as compensation.
The Ombudsperson also directed the company to provide the complainant with her experience certificate, clearance documents, salary, and all pending dues within 15 days. Additionally, the company was ordered to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee within 30 days in accordance with legal requirements. The decision reiterated that professional courtesy must never be mistaken for consent.
