Ombudsperson orders removal of K-Electric CEO for 'harassing' female officer

The provincial ombudsperson for protection against alleged harassment of women at workplace has ordered removal of chief executive officer of K-Electric Moonis Alvi over harassment of a former chief marketing and communication officer of the power company.

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

"Consequently, accused Moonis Abdullah Alvi is penalised under section 4(4)(ii)(c) of the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 and is removed from his service instantly," the order issued by the ombudsperson reads.

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, same shall be recovered as land revenue in terms of the Land Revenue Act, 1967, through the concerned Deputy Commissioner from the moveable and immoveable properties including bank accounts of the accused," warned the ombudsperson.

Read: Former PTV female employee opens up about harassment by manager

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

The complainant alleged that shortly after she joined K-Electric, while alone in the CEO's office, he 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.