President Rejects Appeal in Muqaddas Fatima’s Harassment Case

News Desk

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has upheld the decision of the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (FOSPAH) in the case filed by Muqaddas Fatima against Mubashir Mukhtar.

The case stemmed from an incident during the Prime Minister’s Youth Talent Hunt Programme, where Mubashir Mukhtar was found guilty of workplace harassment and gender-based discrimination.

Following a thorough investigation, FOSPAH imposed minor penalties, including the stoppage of his increment for three years and a compensation of Rs100,000 to be paid to the complainant under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.

Challenging FOSPAH’s ruling, the accused appealed to the President, seeking to overturn the penalties. However, after a comprehensive review and hearing from both parties, the President dismissed the appeal, noting that the accused’s outright denial of the incident was an attempt to obscure the truth.

This decision further solidifies the Ombudsperson’s ruling and underscores that workplace harassment will not be tolerated.

This verdict marks a significant milestone in upholding justice and sends a strong message that harassment in any form will be met with legal consequences.