ISLAMABAD – A federal ombudsperson has upheld the demotion of a woman officer at a public-sector university after rejecting her appeal in a case involving the alleged harassment and blackmail of the university’s male registrar.
In its ruling, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment observed that workplace harassment is not confined to acts of a sexual nature. The decision stated that creating an atmosphere of pressure, intimidation or fear can also fall within the scope of harassment under the law.
According to the ruling, the female officer initially expressed a desire to take a selfie with the registrar and later allegedly threatened to release videos and file a harassment complaint against him. The ombudsperson concluded that the allegation of harassment against the woman officer was established.
The decision further noted that the appointment sought by the officer was not within the registrar’s authority. It said her attitude changed after learning this, prompting the registrar to keep another staff member present during meetings. The officer allegedly insisted that the staff member leave the room repeatedly. Feeling at risk, the registrar secretly recorded their conversation and later moved to the deputy registrar’s office after saying he no longer felt safe.
The ruling said the officer admitted her mistake after listening to the recording and submitted written apologies on two occasions. A university inquiry committee subsequently found her guilty and imposed penalties including demotion, a three-year ban on promotion and disqualification from holding an administrative post.
The officer challenged those disciplinary measures before the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment. While the ombudsperson removed the lifetime restrictions related to promotion and future appointments, the primary penalty of demotion was upheld.
