Senior PTV Officials File Harassment Complaints to Federal Ombudsperson

Three senior officials from Pakistan Television (PTV) have taken their grievances to the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment at Workplace, alleging unfair treatment. The officials include the Head of Current Affairs, the General Manager, and the Manager of Administration and Personnel.

They were removed from their roles following recommendations by an internal inquiry committee under the Anti-Harassment Act of 2010. The officials claim the charges against them are baseless, accusing PTV management of acting on frivolous complaints. They argue that their constitutional right to a fair trial, guaranteed under Article 10-A, has been violated.

One complainant expressed concern over the inquiry process, stating that witnesses were not given a fair chance to present their testimony. Another complainant accused PTV of fabricating evidence to punish him for speaking out against management, while the third official believes he was a victim of office politics.

He claimed the inquiry committee did not allow him to defend himself properly and unfairly demoted him. PTV spokesperson Tasawar Arafat Chaudhry responded, stating that the officials were penalized by the law, affirming PTV’s zero-tolerance policy against workplace harassment.

Federal Ombudsperson data shows that workplace harassment complaints are on the rise, with a significant gender disparity in cases, the majority coming from female employees.