Islamabad: (RightNow) The Federal Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment has fined a government officer Rs 5 lakh for harassing a female colleague by taunting her about not having children. The officer was accused of running an online defamatory campaign and comparing her to the transgender community.

The Federal Ombudsman clarified in its decision that discriminatory, derogatory, and harassing behavior has no place in any professional environment. Such conduct violates the code of employment and contradicts the principles of a safe environment.

The decision stated that the accused fabricated a fake book title and author to mock and ridicule the complainant. This act reflects conscious gender-based discrimination.

The Federal Ombudsman further stated that using transgender identity for ridicule undermines social dignity. This behavior harms not only the individual involved but the entire transgender community.

It is noteworthy that the purpose of this decision is to prevent and discourage harassment and gender discrimination in government institutions, ensuring a safe, respectful, and equal workplace environment.