The Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment on Friday dismissed Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, from service on charges of sexual harassment.
According to a 17-page written decision issued by the Federal Ombudsman and received by 24NewsHD TV, separate harassment complaints were filed by Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan and Research Assistant Dr. Ayesha Khan. Both complaints were subsequently combined and a joint inquiry was conducted.
The decision states that abuse of authority and “quid pro quo” type harassment were proven. It directed the relevant authority to ensure immediate implementation of the dismissal orders.
As per the judgement, the Vice Chancellor provided illegal professional privileges to a student, including unusual appointments and additional facilities. The Ombudsman observed that available evidence—particularly mobile message records and administrative decisions—indicated that official powers were used for personal gains.
The Ombudsman clarified that in cases where there is a clear imbalance of power and influence between a teacher and a student, alleged consent cannot be accepted as a legal justification. The ruling also made an important legal observation that in relationships marked by unequal power, consent loses its independent status and therefore cannot be presented as a valid defence.
The Federal Ombudsman emphasized that individuals holding senior positions in educational institutions bear greater responsibility to maintain professional boundaries and must not use their authority for personal relationships or benefit. The appeal filed by the Vice Chancellor was also rejected.
Meanwhile, allegations of financial corruption made against the affected student were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.
The judgement reiterated that no public office holder is above the law and that a zero-tolerance policy will be strictly enforced in harassment cases. Legal experts say the decision sends a strong message against the abuse of power in educational institutions and sets an important precedent for future cases.