K-Electric Chief Moonis Dismissed in Workplace Harassment Case

News Desk

Karachi: In a landmark decision, the Sindh Ombudsman has found K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi guilty of workplace harassment, ordering his immediate removal from office and imposing a fine of Rs2.5 million.

The verdict was issued in response to a complaint filed by Mahreen Aziz Khan, the company’s former Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO), who accused Alvi of inappropriate conduct and persistent harassment during her tenure.

The order states that Alvi’s behavior caused Khan significant mental distress and violated workplace harassment laws.

According to the ruling, failure to pay the fine may result in the seizure of Alvi’s moveable and immoveable assets, and could also lead to the blocking of his Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport.

Khan, who holds law and public policy degrees from Cambridge University and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, respectively, made history as the first female C-suite executive at K-Electric since its transformation in 2009. Her complaint detailed repeated instances where Alvi allegedly pressured her to join him for dinners after work and sent inappropriate messages. She also named K-Electric’s HR head, Chief Security Officer, and a board member for their alleged inaction.

Alvi has denied the allegations. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he said he would challenge the verdict and pursue legal remedies to “bring the truth to light.”

The decision has been hailed by Khan’s legal team as a major victory for women’s rights in Pakistan’s corporate sector. “This decision confirms that those who dishonor our daughters have no place in power,” said her lawyer, calling it a powerful message that “influence cannot shield misconduct.”

Barrister Talal Wasif, also representing Khan, emphasized the broader implications of the ruling. “This verdict reinforces that every workplace must guarantee safety and dignity. It is a ray of hope for every working woman in Pakistan.”

Women’s rights advocates have praised the ruling as a milestone in the struggle against harassment in professional environments, calling it a precedent-setting case that could encourage more women to speak up without fear of retaliation.