ISLAMABAD: PPresident Zardari has converted the removal from service of an officer of the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) to forced retirement, besides increasing the fine from Rs300,000 to Rs1 million.The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH) had announced the removal from service after the officer of the Corporationwas found guilty of sexually harassing a female employee.

According to the details, the victim Ms Urooj Wahid had filed a complaint under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, alleging inappropriate and unsolicited messages from Kamran Channa, Assistant General Manager at State Life Insurance Corporation, which included sexually suggestive comments.

The ombudsperson carried out detailed investigations into the case and found the allegations true.

After finding Mr Kamran involved in sexually harassing the female worker, the Ombudsperson announced the major penalty of removal from service along with a fine of Rs300,000.

While Mr Kamran admitted to sending the messages, he contested the findings of FOSPAH and subsequent penalty, fine. For this, he filed a representation with the President challenging the decision of the ombudsperson.

The accused Kamran personally appeared at the hearing before the President. He expressed unreserved regrets and issued a public apology to both Ms Urooj and her mother, without presenting any further defence. The president, after hearing both parties and acknowledging the complainant`s mental and professional hardship, affirmed the factual findings of harassment, converting the penalty of removal from service into compulsory retirement, citing Mr Kamran`s 29 years of previously unblemished service as a mitigating factor.

However, in a powerful gesture of support for the victims, the President enhanced the compensation to Rs 1,000,000, recognising the mental trauma and forced resignation endured by Ms Urooj.

The president has also urged State Life Insurance Corporation to reappoint Ms. Urooj, acknowledging that her resignation was not voluntary, but a consequence of the hostile environment created by the harassment she faced.

This decision sends a clear message that harassment through digital channels such as WhatsApp or social media is equally serious and punishable under workplace laws, just like in-person misconduct. The case sets a vital precedent for holding individuals accountable for online behavior within professional settings.