ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has imposed a Rs2.7 million fine 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 Federal Ombudsperson stated that workplace harassment and retaliation are unacceptable and will result in strict legal consequences.
According to the complainant, one of the accused made inappropriate personal remarks during a meeting, invited her to meet outside the office, and held her hand while showing product samples. She further alleged that another official took screenshots of her private messages and made humiliating remarks in front of colleagues.
The complainant also stated that a third official attempted to prevent her complaint from proceeding and failed to preserve CCTV footage despite having viewed it. A fourth official allegedly ordered retaliatory action against her and failed to establish an anti-harassment inquiry committee as required by law, while a fifth official allegedly made threatening phone calls after she served a legal notice.
The woman said that the hostile work environment and continued pressure forced her to resign, after which the company withheld her documents and employment dues.
During the proceedings, the accused denied the allegations and questioned the complainant’s character, attire, and personal life.
Rejecting those arguments, the Federal Ombudsperson ruled that a complainant’s personality, clothing, or social behavior is irrelevant to determining a harassment case. The decision stated that the available evidence, witness testimonies, and contradictions in the respondents’ statements established both harassment and retaliatory actions.
The Ombudsperson further observed that politeness does not imply consent and that a delay in filing a complaint does not weaken a harassment case. Employers, the ruling said, have a legal responsibility to provide women with a safe and respectful workplace, and harassment or retaliation constitutes a punishable offence.
In addition to the Rs2.7 million fine, the private company has been directed to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee within 30 days in accordance with the law.
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