HOD of Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology dismissed from service and fined Rs 10 lakh for harassment

ISLAMABAD, Dec 02 (EPI): The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace (FOSPAH) has delivered a landmark decision in the case of Ms. Arooj Malik vs. Dr. Hafiz Ishaq. This case highlights FOSPAH’s unwavering commitment to protecting individuals from harassment and ensuring accountability in educational institutions across Pakistan.

Ms. Fauzia Viqar, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment at Workplace, ordered the dismissal of the Accused from his position at FUUAST and imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on the Accused, of which Rs 800,000/- are to be paid to the Complainant and Rs 200,000/- to the state treasury.

Ms. Arooj Malik, a Lecturer at the Federal Urdu University of Science & Technology (FUUAST), filed a formal complaint against Dr. Hafiz Ishaq, the Head of the Department of Business Administration, citing repeated sexual harassment that spanned several years. Despite her attempts to address the issue informally, the harassment persisted, prompting Ms. Malik to seek justice through the legal system.

The case initially faced procedural delays and dismissal at the institutional level when the FUUAST Inquiry Committee failed to address Ms. Malik’s complaint properly. Dissatisfied with the lack of action and trust in the inquiry process, Ms. Malik approached FOSPAH.

After thoroughly examining the case, including recording evidence from Ms. Malik, FOSPAH found Dr. Ishaq’s actions to constitute harassment under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. The Accused admitted to physical harassment and admitted to the Complainant for doing so.

The Federal Urdu University of Science & Technology has been directed to implement these penalties and submit a compliance report to FOSPAH by December 5, 2024.
This decision is a significant victory for survivors of workplace harassment, reinforcing that perpetrators will be held accountable regardless of their position. FOSPAH reaffirms its mission to create safe, dignified, and harassment-free work environments across Pakistan.

Ends-Exact Press International-