In a strong stance against sexual harassment, President Dr Arif Alvi has upheld penalties and increased fines for individuals found guilty of sexual harassment at the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO). The decision comes after Assistant Director Khizer Hayat was proven to have blackmailed and sexually harassed a female employee. President Alvi maintained the penalty of dismissal from service for Hayat and raised the fine from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million.
Additionally, Mian Sohail Afzal, the director (admin), will face a three-year reduction to a lower post, and the fine imposed on him has been increased from Rs1 million to Rs1.1 million. The President emphasized that it is essential to address and discourage such acts of harassment, especially in organizations like MEPCO that must ensure a safe and secure workplace for all employees.
Exoneration for Two Accused Employees
While penalties were upheld for Hayat and Afzal, Deputy Director Sohail Abbas and Director Jamshed Ahmed Niazi were exonerated from the charges of sexual harassment due to the lack of substantial evidence. President Alvi noted that no cogent evidence or substance was available to prove them guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt. This decision highlights the importance of a thorough investigation and the need for substantial evidence to establish guilt in such cases. It also serves as a reminder that accusations should be taken seriously, but fairness and due process must prevail.
Rejection of Conspiracy Claims and Protecting Victims
President Alvi dismissed the claims made by one of the accused, stating that the case against him was a result of conspiracy, concoction, or fabrication. He emphasized that it is implausible for a woman to ruin her own dignity by making false complaints of sexual harassment. President Alvi highlighted the need to condemn and discourage such acts, particularly within organizations like MEPCO. A safe and secure workplace is crucial for female employees, as without it, they may hesitate to step out of their homes and pursue a dignified living. The President’s remarks demonstrate his commitment to upholding the rights and safety of women in the workplace.
Enhanced Fines Reflect Severity of the Offense
President Alvi acknowledged the severity of the offense committed by Khizer Hayat and Mian Sohail Afzal and deemed it necessary to increase the fines imposed by the Federal Ombudsman for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH). Hayat, who hacked the mobile data of the female complainant, will now face a fine of Rs1 million, while Afzal’s fine has been raised to Rs1.1 million. This decision sends a strong message that sexual harassment will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face significant consequences for their actions.
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President Dr Arif Alvi’s decision to uphold penalties and enhance fines for sexual harassers at MEPCO demonstrates a commitment to combating sexual harassment in the workplace. By ensuring justice for the victims and imposing stricter penalties on the guilty parties, the President emphasizes the need to create a safe and secure environment for all employees. The exoneration of two individuals due to lack of substantial evidence highlights the importance of a thorough investigation process. With these measures in place, organizations like MEPCO can strive to eliminate sexual harassment and provide a workplace where all employees can thrive without fear of harassment or intimidation.
