Private company fined Rs1.2 million for firing woman during maternity leave

The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million on a private company for terminating a female employee during her maternity leave.

Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar issued the ruling that directed the company to implement comprehensive corrective measures in addition to paying the penalty.

The complainant, who worked in the accounts department, was dismissed via a phone call while she was on approved maternity leave, the report said.

The FOSPAH observed that terminating a woman’s employment during maternity leave constitutes discriminatory and psychologically harmful conduct under the law, adding that pregnancy, childbirth, maternity leave, and recovery are unique conditions requiring legal protection.

She ordered the private organisation not to take any retaliatory action against the complainant.

Tweet by Federal Ombudsperson-Protection Against Harassment