FOSPAH orders dismissal of govt employee for harassing female at workplace

The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment at Workplace has enhanced the punishment in a workplace harassment case, converting the penalty from compulsory retirement to dismissal from service.

According to details, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment Fozia Waqar rejected the appeal of a government employee from Rawalpindi against departmental action and increased the penalty to immediate dismissal from service.

The institution stated that 16 female employees of a government department had repeatedly filed complaints of harassment.

An internal inquiry found the allegations to be true and recommended compulsory retirement of the accused officer, which was later implemented by the competent authority.

During the appeal hearing, FOSPAH reviewed the complete record and upheld the findings of the inquiry, noting that the appellant was given full opportunity to defend himself.

The appellant also admitted to an unintentional physical interaction with a female colleague.

The ruling stated that harassment is determined based on its impact on the victim rather than the intent of the accused.

It further noted that given the repeated incidents, compulsory retirement was insufficient, and the penalty was therefore enhanced to dismissal from service.