FUUAST Professor dismissed, fined for workplace harassment

ISLAMABAD: Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has dismissed professor Dr. Hafiz Ishaq, Head of the IT Department at the Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology (FUUAST) and imposed a fine of Rs one million, after workplace harassment charges were proven against him.

Arooj Malik, a lecturer in the Business Administration Department at FUUAST, had filed a workplace harassment case against Dr Hafiz Ishaq with the FOSPAH.

According to Arooj Malik, Dr Ishaq has been harassing her for years. She said that despite repeated complaints to the university’s inquiry committee no action was taken due to which she was compelled to approach the FOSPAH.

Investigations by FOSPAH found Ms. Malik’s evidence and testimony credible, concluding that Dr. Ishaq violated the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.

During the investigation, Dr. Ishaq also admitted to physically harassing the complainant and apologized for his conduct.

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Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar after hearing both sides announced the verdict, directing Dr. Ishaq to pay Rs800,000 as compensation to the complainant and deposit Rs200,000 into the national treasury.

The university has been tasked with implementing the penalties and submitting a compliance report to FOSPAH by December 5, 2024.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, aims to safeguard individuals from harassment and uphold the dignity of citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. It ensures protection from inhuman and degrading treatment at workplaces, regardless of gender.

This verdict highlights the commitment of legal institutions to enforce the rights of citizens and ensure accountability in harassment cases.