Dr. Hafiz Ishaq, the head of the IT department at the Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology (FUUAST), has been ousted, and Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) slapped him with a fine of Rs. 1 million for office harassment. The verdict was based on a complaint submitted by Ms. Arooj Malik, who is a lecturer at FUUAST.
Details of the Verdict
This judgment was passed on Monday by FOSPAH, which has its head in Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar, in what is a major ruling in the war against harassment in workplaces. According to the verdict-
To the complainant, Ms Arooj Malik, he is to pay Rs800,000 as compensation.
Rs 200,000 should be deposited into the national treasury.
The university is required to implement the penalties and furnish a compliance report to FOSPAH by December 5, 2024.
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Background of the Case
Ms. Arooj Malik, a lecturer of the Business Administration Department at FUUAST, gave an official complaint of harassment against Dr. Ishaq regarding repeated harassment over the last several years. After a failed attempt to resolve the matter through informal channels, Ms. Malik decided to proceed with formal litigation.
The initial findings of the institutional inquiry committee of FUUAST left the complaint unaddressed, leading the complainant to FOSPAH.
Inspection Results
It led FOSPAH toward concluding that Dr. Ishaq violated the Protection against Harassment of Women in the Workplace Act of 2010 because, during the investigation, Ms. Malik gave undenied testimony and evidence.
Admission of Guilt
The most significant development in the case was Dr. Ishaq’s confession to have physically harassed Ms. Malik during the probe, followed by his apology to the aggrieved person. This strengthened the findings against him.
Importance of the Verdict
This pronounced verdict echoes FOSPAH’s strong concern for workplace safety and recognition for the victimization of human rights offenders. This is a reminder to institutions to feel the pressure to take any charge filed by any employee as seriously as possible and act against offenders without blinking.
This case brings to light the need for a clear charge of an environment free from harassment and accountability for those abusing their powers.