The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ruled that excessive CCTV monitoring of employees amounts to workplace harassment.
In a case filed by a female staff member of a private educational institute in Rawalpindi, Ombudsperson Fauzia Viquar imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the institution’s chief executive officer for misusing surveillance to intimidate her.
The complainant alleged that she was subjected to persistent monitoring and harassment, including instances where CCTV images were sent to her directly.
After examining the evidence, the ombudsperson concluded that the surveillance was unnecessary, discriminatory, and created a hostile work environment.
The decision declared such conduct to be harassment under the law, ordering the CEO to pay compensation to the victim and issuing a formal censure.
Additionally, the institution was directed to implement workplace reforms, including the formation of an inquiry committee and the public display of a code of conduct in English and Urdu.
FOSPAH stressed that harassment extends beyond inappropriate advances, covering any act that undermines dignity, privacy, or instills fear among employees.
“This ruling reinforces that surveillance cannot be weaponized to target or control staff. Respect for privacy and dignity is a core workplace right,” the ombudsperson’s office stated.
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