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 maternity leave.
The significant ruling was issued by FOSPAH Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar, who, in addition to the monetary penalty, directed the company to implement comprehensive corrective measures.
According to FOSPAH, the complainant was employed in the accounting department and was dismissed through a phone call while she was on approved maternity leave. The ombudsperson held that terminating a woman during her maternity leave constitutes detrimental treatment and is equivalent to gender discrimination and psychological harassment under the law.
The Federal Ombudsperson further observed that pregnancy, childbirth, maternity leave and the subsequent recovery period are conditions unique to women and require protection.
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The ombudsperson also ordered the private company not to take any retaliatory action against the complainant.
