The Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a collective fine of Rs2.7 million on five officials of a private company after finding them guilty in a workplace Harassment Case. The decision follows an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and retaliatory actions against a female employee.
According to the Ombudsman, the complainant reported that several senior officials engaged in inappropriate behavior during her employment. She alleged that she received repeated invitations to meetings outside the office, experienced unwanted physical contact, and faced derogatory remarks in the workplace.
The Harassment Case also revealed that the employee tried to report the alleged misconduct through the company’s internal complaint process. However, she claimed that the internal system failed to provide proper support or protection.
According to the findings, one company official did not secure important CCTV footage that could have supported the investigation. The complainant also alleged that instead of addressing her concerns, several officials took retaliatory actions against her.
The Ombudsman found that these actions created an unsafe work environment. The complainant stated that the situation eventually forced her to resign from her job. She also claimed that the company withheld her employment-related dues after her resignation.
During the hearings, the accused officials reportedly questioned the complainant’s personality and clothing in an attempt to defend themselves. However, the Federal Ombudsman rejected these arguments and stated that a woman’s personality, appearance, or social behavior cannot be used as a justification for harassment.
The verdict emphasized that politeness should never be interpreted as consent. It also stated that every employer has a legal responsibility to provide employees with a safe and respectful workplace.
According to the Ombudsman, witness statements and forensic evidence confirmed both the harassment allegations and the retaliatory conduct. Based on the available evidence, the five officials were collectively fined Rs2.7 million.
The ruling in the Harassment Case also directed the private company to strengthen its internal complaint system. The institution has been ordered to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee within 30 days to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Officials said the committee must function according to Pakistan’s workplace harassment laws and provide fair and timely handling of future complaints. The decision highlights the importance of maintaining effective internal mechanisms for addressing workplace misconduct.
The verdict reinforces that employers must protect workers from harassment and retaliation. It also sends a clear message that organizations should respond seriously to complaints and ensure that victims are treated fairly throughout the process.
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The Harassment Case serves as a reminder of the legal obligations placed on employers to maintain safe workplaces. Authorities hope the decision will encourage stronger compliance with workplace harassment laws and improve protection for employees across Pakistan.
