Islamabad, October 31: In a landmark decision, the Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has found Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), guilty of workplace harassment for making gender stereotypical and demeaning comments about women.
The case centered on Dr. Shinwari’s public remark that “when females reach the age of around 35 or above, they experience hormonal issues, and their mental condition becomes unstable, causing them to create problems for others.” Ombudsperson Ms. Fauzia Viqar condemned the statement as “inherently sexist, derogatory, and demeaning,” affirming that such language fosters gender bias and contributes to a toxic work environment.
Under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010, FOSPAH issued a formal censure against Dr. Shinwari and directed the university’s syndicate to monitor his conduct closely to prevent future incidents.
The ruling emphasized that individuals in leadership especially in academic settings carry a heightened responsibility to uphold respectful and inclusive behavior. “Ignorance of gender stereotypes is not a defense,” the decision noted, particularly for those who shape institutional culture.
In addition to holding Dr. Shinwari accountable, FOSPAH ordered FUUAST to undertake systemic reforms. These include setting up a permanent inquiry committee, ensuring prominent display of the workplace code of conduct on all campuses, and conducting regular gender-sensitivity training for faculty, staff, and students.
The decision is seen as a critical step in strengthening workplace equality and sends a clear signal that sexist conduct especially from those in power will be met with serious consequences under the law.
