JournalismPakistan.com | Published November 06, 2021 | Cherie Conela
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD—Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplaces, Kashmala Tariq has ordered the termination of a senior PEMRA official for sexually harassing a female employee and Rs 2 million in compensation to the victim.
According to the ombudsperson, a woman working at Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) headquarters in Islamabad on a contingent basis had filed an online complaint with the ombudsperson on January 20, 2020. She accused Director General Haji Adam of harassing her.
Quoting the complainant, the order said that when she refused "sexual favours," his behavior turned "rude, disgusting and demeaning" towards her.
"Bringing all the pieces of evidence together [...] the complainant has proved her allegation that [Adam] sexually harassed her [at] her workplace on November 11, 2019," the order said.
Adam failed to substantiate his stance that he had been falsely implicated in the case by the complainant "at the instigation and conspiracy of someone else," it added.
The ombudsperson said the action was to be taken under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 and directed that he be dismissed from service and pay Rs2m in compensation to the complainant.
She also declared another PEMRA official, Fakhruddin Mughal, as having been proven to be "a facilitator" of Adam and ruled that he, too, was to face action under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
Kashmala Tariq ordered Mughal's demotion along with a payment of Rs500,000 in compensation to the complainant.
The ombudsperson directed the PEMRA management to submit a compliance report within seven days after receiving the order.
December 05, 2024: UNESCO and IRADA hosted a national consultation in Islamabad, calling for inclusive Internet governance reforms in Pakistan to protect digital rights, freedom of expression, and access to information through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
December 04, 2024: A viral video claiming journalist Matiullah Jan was expelled from PMA has been debunked by iVerify Pakistan. The video, edited with AI, originates from the drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa.
November 30, 2024: Journalist Matiullah Jan has been released from Adiala Jail after securing bail, ending fears of a potential transfer to Attock Jail. He expressed gratitude to supporters and shared light-hearted moments about his custody.
November 30, 2024: Daily Dawn condemns the arrest of journalist Matiullah Jan as a misuse of the law. The editorial highlights concerns over the state's weaponization of legal provisions against journalists, activists, and dissenters.
November 30, 2024: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has granted bail to journalist Matiullah Jan in a case involving drugs and terrorism charges. He was released on a surety bond of PKR 10,000 following the suspension of his physical remand by the Islamabad High Court.
November 29, 2024: The Lahore High Court has ordered the production of journalist Shakir Mahmood Awan’s alleged kidnapper by Monday while summoning IG Punjab and demanding CCTV footage from Safe City.
November 29, 2024: Suno TV faces criticism for targeting senior journalist Matiullah Jan with a smear campaign following his controversial abduction and arrest. This raises serious concerns about media ethics and press freedom in Pakistan.
November 29, 2024: WISPAP has requested the Ministry of Interior to extend the deadline for VPN registration in Pakistan, citing the need to ensure compliance amid increasing VPN usage after platform bans.
December 05, 2024 Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
December 04, 2024 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as Pakistan's hosting rights clash with India's refusal to participate. A political and financial standoff unfolds.
December 03, 2024 Submit your work for the Global Shining Light Award by February 28, 2025. Celebrate investigative journalism from the Global South at the Kuala Lumpur conference.
November 21, 2024 Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 20, 2024 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is accepting applications for its 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, offering journalists from crisis areas six months of digital security training, networking opportunities, and more.