Staff Reporter
Islamabad, July 20, 2026: The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment has upheld the demotion of a female officer at a public university after finding her guilty of harassing a male registrar.
According to the decision, the officer’s conduct stemmed from dissatisfaction over not being appointed to her preferred position. She allegedly expressed a desire to take a selfie with the registrar and, after being informed that he had no authority over the appointment, her behavior changed.
The complainant stated that the officer threatened to release videos and file a harassment complaint against him if she was not given the desired post.
The ombudsperson’s ruling noted that the registrar kept another staff member present in his office during the interaction. The officer repeatedly insisted that the staff member leave the room, prompting the registrar to discreetly record the conversation out of concern.
The decision stated that when the recording was presented during the inquiry, the officer admitted her misconduct and submitted two written apologies.
The university’s inquiry committee found the officer guilty and imposed penalties including demotion, a three-year ban on promotion, and disqualification from holding an administrative position.
The officer challenged the decision before the Federal Ombudsperson, who removed the restrictions on future promotions and administrative appointments but upheld the demotion.
In the ruling, the ombudsperson observed that Pakistan’s harassment law is not limited to conduct of a sexual nature and that creating an environment of intimidation, pressure, or fear can also constitute harassment.
