Five employees of private company fined Rs2.7m for harassing woman

The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment has imposed fines of Rs2.7 million on five employees of a private company for harassing their female colleague.

The ombudsperson directed that Rs2.16 million be paid to the woman complainant, while the remaining Rs540,000 will be deposited in the national treasury.

The case was filed by a former female employee, who accused several senior and supervisory officials of workplace harassment and retaliation during her employment.

The accused denied the allegations, maintaining that the complaint was baseless. During the proceedings, they also questioned the complainant's credibility by referring to her personal life, appearance and conduct.

After reviewing documentary evidence, witness testimonies and written replies submitted by the respondents, the ombudsperson concluded that the allegations of harassment and retaliation had been substantiated.

The ruling also directed the institution to reconstitute its anti-harassment committee within 30 days.

In addition, the institution has been ordered to issue the complainant's experience certificate, salary slips, clearance documents and final settlement within 15 days.