Three senior officials at Pakistan Television (PTV) have filed complaints with the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment at the Workplace (FOSPAH), alleging harassment by PTV’s management.
The complainants, who include the Head of Current Affairs, a General Manager, and a Manager of Administration and Personnel, were removed from their positions following an inquiry by PTV’s Anti-Harassment Committee, established under the Anti-Harassment Act of 2010.
In their appeals to the FOSPAH Secretariat, the officials claim the PTV management instigated the inquiry based on baseless allegations. They argue that the inquiry proceedings failed to respect their constitutional right to a fair trial under Article 10-A.
One official stated in his complaint, “The Anti-Harassment Committee of PTV Headquarters Islamabad is trying to legitimize an illegal process… the inquiry is not being conducted impartially, with witnesses denied a fair opportunity to provide statements due to leading questions, raising doubts about the potential for justice.”
The complainants also allege procedural misconduct by the committee, asserting that it did not adhere to Section 4, 4(a), and 4(c) of the Act, nor did it share the evidence presented against them. Furthermore, they claim they were denied the chance to submit written responses or cross-examine the witnesses testifying against them.
