Islamabad, June 2024 – According to the News published in Daily Information Times a landmark decision, the Federal Ombudsman has convicted Vice Chancellor Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, Registrar, and HRD Head Imran Hassan of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in a harassment case filed by Dr. Ayesha Kulsom. The court has imposed a significant penalty on each of the accused, marking a crucial victory for justice and accountability.
Dr. Ayesha Kulsom, a distinguished academic at PIDE, brought forward allegations of harassment that were meticulously reviewed and substantiated by the Federal Ombudsman. The court has imposed a penalty of 200,000 PKR on each of the convicted individuals and barred them from efficiency-related positions for three years.
Key Points of the Court’s Decision:
Conviction of Harassment: The Federal Ombudsman has found Vice Chancellor Dr. Nadeem ul Haque, Registrar, and HRD Head Imran Hassan guilty of harassment as per the charges brought forward by Dr. Ayesha Kulsom.
Penalties Imposed: Each convicted individual is penalized with a fine of 200,000 PKR.
Efficiency Bar: All three individuals are barred from efficiency-related positions for a period of three years.
This ruling is a significant step towards ensuring a safe and respectful working environment within academic institutions. It underscores the importance of addressing harassment complaints with seriousness and promptness, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Dr. Ayesha Kulsom expressed relief and satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of standing up against harassment and the role of institutional support in such cases. “This verdict is not just a personal victory but a beacon of hope for all those who suffer in silence. It is crucial that institutions create safe environments where everyone can work without fear,” she stated.
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics has yet to release an official statement regarding the court’s decision and the future steps it will take in light of these convictions.
When we attempted to obtain a statement from the Vice Chancellor of PIDE, his spokesperson responded, “PIDE has contested the decision, and the issue is sub judice, so we cannot comment further at this time.”
As of now, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics has yet to release an official statement regarding the court’s decision and the future steps it will take in light of these convictions.
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