Selfie Demand Ends in Harassment Verdict
Federal Ombudsperson upholds demotion of a senior university officer after finding that threats, intimidation and pressure over a desired appointment amounted to workplace harassment; lifetime restrictions, however, are set aside.
ISLAMABAD:The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has upheld the principal disciplinary punishment imposed on a senior officer of a public-sector university after dismissing her appeal in a workplace harassment case involving alleged intimidation, threats, and abuse of authority.
Registrar Details Allegations
According to the decision, the complainant, who serves as the university’s Registrar, stated that the officer unexpectedly entered his office and initially requested to take a selfie with him. The situation allegedly escalated after the Registrar informed her that he had no authority over an ongoing recruitment process for a senior administrative position she was interested in.
The Registrar alleged that the officer then threatened to release videos of him, file a false harassment complaint, and use her journalist husband to publicise alleged irregularities if she was not appointed to her preferred position.
Audio Recording and Apology Letters
According to the findings, the Registrar had intentionally kept another staff member in the office during the meeting. However, the officer repeatedly insisted that the employee leave the room. Feeling uncomfortable and concerned about the situation, the Registrar secretly recorded the conversation before leaving for the Deputy Registrar’s office, where the officer allegedly followed him.
The Ombudsperson’s order states that when the audio recording was later played before university officials, the officer admitted her conduct, expressed remorse, and submitted two written apology letters.
University Inquiry and Disciplinary Action
Following an inquiry, the university’s investigation committee found her guilty of workplace harassment and imposed disciplinary action, including:
- Demotion.
- A three-year ban on promotion.
- A lifetime restriction on holding administrative positions.
The officer challenged the decision before the Federal Ombudsperson.
Federal Ombudsperson’s Findings
After reviewing the evidence, the appellate forum ruled that workplace harassment is not confined to conduct of a sexual nature. It observed that intimidation, coercion, threats, and creating a hostile or fear-based work environment also fall within the scope of the law protecting employees against harassment at the workplace.
The forum further remarked that had the Registrar not recorded the conversation, the facts of the case might never have come to light, and he could potentially have faced disciplinary proceedings based on allegations against him.
Demotion Upheld, Other Penalties Set Aside
While upholding the officer’s demotion as the primary punishment, the Federal Ombudsperson held that lifetime restrictions on promotion and future administrative appointments were not provided for under the applicable law. Those penalties were therefore set aside, while the demotion remained in force.
Ruling Clarifies Scope of Workplace Harassment Law
The ruling reinforces that workplace harassment laws extend beyond sexual misconduct and also cover threats, intimidation, and misuse of influence that create an unsafe or hostile working environment.
