ISLAMABAD – The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has imposed a collective 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 said harassment and retaliation in the workplace are unacceptable and would lead to strict consequences.
According to the complaint, one of the officials made personal and unprofessional remarks during a meeting, invited the employee to meet outside the office, and held her hand while showing product samples.
Another official was accused of taking screenshots of her private messages and making a derogatory remark in front of other team members.
The complainant also alleged that a third official discouraged her from pursuing the complaint and failed to preserve CCTV footage that he had viewed. A fourth official was accused of directing retaliatory action and failing to establish a legally required anti-harassment committee within the organisation, while a fifth allegedly made a threatening phone call after she issued a legal notice.
The woman told the ombudsperson that persistent hostility and pressure forced her to resign and that her employment documents and dues were later withheld.
During the proceedings, the accused denied the allegations and raised issues relating to the complainant’s character, clothing and private life. The ombudsperson rejected those arguments, stating that such matters were irrelevant to the case. The decision said the available evidence, witness testimony and inconsistencies in the respondents’ statements established both harassment and retaliatory conduct.
The ruling further stated that courtesy should not be interpreted as consent and that a delay in filing a complaint does not weaken a harassment case. It also stressed that employers are responsible for ensuring a safe and respectful workplace and that harassment and retaliation are punishable offences.
In addition to the financial penalty, the ombudsperson directed the private company to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee within 30 days.
