Latest news with #ProtectionAgainstHarassmentofWomenattheWorkplaceAct
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
SLIC officer penalised for online abuse
In a defining moment for digital accountability and workplace justice, President Asif Ali Zardari has upheld the decision of the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH) in a high-profile case involving sexual harassment via digital platforms at the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC). The complainant, Urooj Wahid, had filed a complaint under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, alleging inappropriate and unsolicited messages from Kamran Channa, Assistant General Manager, which included sexually suggestive comments. While Kamran admitted to sending the messages, he contested the findings of FOSPAH, which had imposed the major penalty of removal from service along with a fine of Rs300,000. Channa filed a representation with the President of Pakistan. According to the spokesperson for FOSPAH, upon personal appearance at the hearing before the president, Channa expressed unreserved regret and issued a public apology to both Urooj and her mother, without presenting any further defence. The president, after hearing both parties and acknowledging the complainant's mental and professional hardship, affirmed the factual findings of harassment, converting the penalty of removal from service into compulsory retirement, citing Channa's 29 years of previously unblemished service as a mitigating factor. However, in a powerful gesture of support for survivors, the President enhanced the compensation to Rs1million, recognising the mental trauma and forced resignation endured by Urooj.
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
SHC suspends Moonis Alvi's removal in harassment case
Listen to article The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday suspended the decision of the Provincial Ombudsperson that had ordered the removal of K-Electric Chief Executive Officer Moonis Alvi over allegations of workplace harassment. The interim relief came during a hearing before a two-member bench headed by Justice Faisal Kamal Alam and comprising Justice Hassan Akbar. The court was hearing a petition filed by Alvi, challenging the ombudsperson's verdict delivered a day earlier. Barrister Abid Zuberi, counsel for the petitioner, submitted that the provincial ombudsperson lacked jurisdiction in the matter, arguing that KE is an interprovincial entity and, therefore, falls under the purview of federal legislation. Also Read: Senior lawyer Khawaja Shamsul Islam shot dead in Karachi The court inquired about the legal flaws in the ombudsperson's ruling. Zuberi contended that the order to remove Alvi and impose a penalty of Rs2.5 million was issued without jurisdiction and in contravention of the relevant laws. 'The ombudsperson's office is not authorised to adjudicate such matters. In similar cases, jurisdiction has been found with the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) or labour courts,' he argued. He further pointed out that KE supplies electricity to areas beyond Sindh, including Lasbela and Hub, which categorises it as an interprovincial company. Therefore, the case should be dealt with by the Federal Ombudsperson. The court, after hearing the arguments, suspended the removal order until the next hearing, scheduled for August 8. It directed Alvi to deposit the Rs2.5 million fine with the Nazir of the SHC. A request by the petitioner's counsel to reduce the amount was declined by the bench. Read: Pakistan hit with 19pc tariff as Trump targets dozens of countries with new duties Mahreen Aziz Khan, a former consultant at KE and the company's first female CxO, had filed a complaint under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, accusing CEO Moonis Alvi of harassment and creating a hostile work environment. In his verdict, Sindh Ombudsman Justice (retd) Shahnawaz Tariq stated that Alvi had committed harassment, created a hostile environment, and caused mental agony at the workplace to the complainant and her team. The ombudsman had ordered Alvi's removal from service under Section 4(ii)(d) of the Act and directed him to pay a fine of Rs2.5 million within one month.
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Sindh Ombudsman finds KE CEO guilty of harassment, orders removal
Listen to article The Sindh Provincial Ombudsman has ordered the immediate removal of K-Electric's Chief Executive Officer, Moonis Alvi, and imposed a fine of Rs2.5 million after finding him guilty of workplace harassment. The order came in response to a complaint filed by Mahreen Aziz Khan, a former consultant and the company's first female CxO since its corporate restructuring began in 2009. The complaint, lodged in November 2020 under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, accused Alvi of harassment and creating a hostile environment. In his verdict, Justice (retd) Shahnawaz Tariq, who presided over the case, stated that Alvi had committed harassment and caused psychological distress to Khan and her team. Also Read: Pakistan launches new remote sensing satellite from China 'Accused No.1 Moonis Abdullah Alvi has committed harassment, created hostile environment and caused mental agony at the workplace to the complainant Mahreen Aziz Khan and her team,' the ruling said, citing Section 2(h) of the Act. The Ombudsman ordered Alvi's removal from service under Section 4(ii)(d) of the Act and directed him to pay the fine within one month. In case of non-compliance, the verdict allows for the seizure of his movable and immovable assets, and the blocking of his national identity card and passport. Three other individuals — Rizwan Dallal (Chief People Officer), Col (R) Wahid Asghar (Chief of Security), and Khalid Rafi (Board Member, HR Committee) — were also named in the original complaint but were discharged due to lack of evidence. 'In the absence of direct evidence, the allegations against the three co-accused could not be substantiated,' the ruling said. In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Alvi expressed disappointment with the ruling. I have always upheld the values of integrity and dignity in professional interactions, and I deeply believe in fostering safe and inclusive workplaces for all. The recent verdict is deeply distressing to me. While I respect the legal process and the institutions that (1/4) — Moonis Alvi (@alvimoonis) July 31, 2025 'I have always maintained professionalism and integrity in all workplace relationships,' he said. 'The recent verdict is extremely distressing. I respect the legal system, though the outcome does not reflect the reality of my experience.' Alvi added that he is reviewing the decision with legal advisors and intends to appeal.
