Ombudsperson Punjab dismissed a senior officer upon harassing a lady

Lahore : Ombudsperson Punjab Rukhsana Gillani  decided a complaint of sexual harassment at workplace lodged by a female instructor against a senior officer, incharge of District Industrial Home (Sanatzar).

In her complaint, Lady Instructor had alleged that the said officer had been harassing her since her appointment in that office. She also alleged that the senior officer had been asking her for sexual favour and also harassed her by way of physical conduct. He also threatened her of direct consequence if she tried to complaint against him.

On receiving complaint, Ombudsperson Punjab immediately took action and awarded a severe penalty of dismissal from service to the senior officer after hearing the both parties and their witnesses.

Ombudsperson Punjab Rukhsana Gillani remarked that silence is not a solution to the menace of sexual harassment rather it encourages the harasser which is also proved in this complaint.

Ombudsperson Punjab also said that despite having a law against the menace of sexual harassment women choose silence just due to fear of losing their job in retaliation which is wrong.