K-electric CEO submits Rs2.5 million fine in harassment case

K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi has submitted a fine of Rs2.5 million in the Sindh High Court (SHC) in connection with harassment allegations brought against him by a former female colleague. 

The fine, which was deposited on August 7, was mandated by the court and transferred to the SHC account at the National Bank. 

Earlier, the CEO of K-Electric, Moonis Alvi, filed a petition in the Sindh High Court on Friday, challenging the provincial ombudsperson’s decision to remove him following a harassment complaint by a former female chief marketing and communications officer.

The development came after the ombudsperson found Alvi guilty of "committing harassment, creating a hostile environment and causing mental agony at the workplace to the complainant and her team."

Read: SHC suspends provincial ombudsman’s order to remove K-Electric CEO

Following the verdict, Alvi had said that he “always upheld the values of integrity and dignity in professional interactions.” 

“I deeply believe in fostering safe and inclusive workplaces for all,” he wrote on X, adding that the verdict was “deeply distressing” to him, as he respects the legal process and institutions, but also holds the “right to appeal against the decision”. 

Verdict 

According to the ombudsperson’s order, Alvi was dismissed as the CEO of K-Electric under Section 4(4)(ii)(c) of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, and was removed from service with immediate effect.

Alvi was also ordered to pay Rs2.5 million as compensation to the woman within 30 days.

"If the accused failed to pay the fine amount within the stipulated period, the same shall be recovered as land revenue in terms of the Land Revenue Act, 1967, through the concerned Deputy Commissioner from the movable and immovable properties, including bank accounts of the accused," warned the ombudsperson.

"Furthermore, CNIC and Passport of the accused shall be blocked through NADRA and the Ministry of Interior till recovery of the fine."

Complaint

The complainant alleged that shortly after she joined K-Electric, while alone in the CEO's office, Alvi expressed a desire to take her out for dinner or coffee at night.

She further claimed that in June 2020, the accused made comments about her body and looked at her in a manner that made her feel uncomfortable.

She added that the accused frequently made remarks laced with sexual innuendos and maintained a pattern of inappropriate conduct.

“Even on weekends, particularly Saturdays, he would summon me to the office or arrange external meetings, leaving me with no days off,” she stated.