The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million on a private company for terminating a female employee during her approved maternity leave, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.
According to reports, Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar issued the ruling and directed the company to implement comprehensive corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FOSPAH stated that the complainant was working in the accounting department when her employment was terminated through a phone call while she was on officially approved maternity leave.
The ombudsperson ruled that dismissing a woman during maternity leave constitutes harmful treatment and falls within the scope of gender discrimination and psychological harassment under the law.
The decision held that pregnancy, childbirth, maternity leave and the post-delivery recovery period are unique conditions experienced by women and must be protected in the workplace.
Denying women these protections undermines their rights and violates principles of equality and fair treatment.
In addition to the financial penalty, the private company was ordered to adopt institutional reforms and ensure compliance with workplace protections for female employees.
The Federal Ombudsperson also directed the organization not to take any retaliatory action against the complainant.