Lahore, July 08(EPI): In a move reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy against workplace harassment, the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (FOSPAH), Ms. Fauzia Viqar, has found Mr. Tariq Raza, Area Manager at Apna Microfinance Bank Ltd., guilty of sexual harassment under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
\nThe verdict follows a formal complaint filed by Ms. Saima Rashid, Assistant Vice President, and Branch Manager, who alleged persistent sexually suggestive and unsolicited messages from the Area Manager over an 18-month period. The key evidence included WhatsApp messages that reflected repeated emotional coercion and inappropriate conduct. The inquiry concluded that the Respondent\u2019s behavior created a hostile, intimidating work environment that squarely falls under the definition of sexual harassment as per the law. As a result, Mr. Tariq Raza has been penalized with demotion to a lower post for a period of two years and a fine of Rs. 200,000, half of which will be paid to the Complainant as compensation, and the remaining deposited in the Government Treasury.
\nThis ruling stands as a powerful precedent in the ongoing effort to enforce accountability and protect working women across Pakistan. FOSPAH urges institutions to actively implement internal mechanisms of prevention and redressal and encourages employees to speak up without fear.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"