The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment (FOSPA) has declared continuous and excessive CCTV monitoring of employees as workplace harassment in a recent decision.
According to the spokesperson, the ruling was announced in the case of Saneem Afshin vs. Azhar Abbas, CEO of Yashal English House. The complainant alleged facing excessive monitoring and pressure at the workplace.
The Federal Ombudsperson examined evidence to determine that the accused was well aware that he was engaging in unnecessary CCTV monitoring and even sent screenshots to the complainant. The practice was argued to make the work place an intimidating, stressful environment, which falls under harassment.
Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar ordered the accused to pay Rs. 50,000 in damages to the complainant and issued a formal reprimand. Along with the penalty, FOSPA directed mandatory workplace reforms, including the formation of an inquiry committee and the display of the workplace code of conduct in both English and Urdu at a visible place.
The rationale of the judgment was that workplace harassment law in Pakistan did not only cover verbal or offensive behaviour but also actions that violate dignity, privacy, and bring about fear or pressure in an office.
This case sets a precedent where workplace harassment in Pakistan also includes continuous CCTV surveillance when used excessively or without valid reason. The decision aligns with FOSPA’s mandate to ensure safe working environments and implement workplace harassment law across institutions.
 has declared continuous and excessive CCTV monitoring of employees as workplace harassment in a recent decision.){kind=link}