The Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has found Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), guilty of workplace harassment. The decision comes after Dr. Shinwari repeatedly made gender-stereotypical and demeaning remarks about women faculty members.
FOSPAH imposed a penalty of censure on Dr. Shinwari under Section 4(4)(i)(a) of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010. The university syndicate has been directed to monitor his conduct and ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
Ombudsperson Fauzia Viqar took serious notice of Dr. Shinwari’s comments, calling them “inherently sexist, derogatory, and demeaning.” She said these remarks amount to gender stereotyping and create a hostile work environment.
Dr. Shinwari had claimed, “When females reach the age of around 35 or above, they experience hormonal issues, and their mental condition becomes unstable, causing them to create problems for others.” The order stressed that such statements reflect a deep-seated bias and violate workplace harassment laws in Pakistan.
The ombudsperson emphasized that university leaders have a duty to demonstrate gender sensitivity, as their words and actions shape campus culture. She made it clear that ignorance of gender stereotypes does not excuse those in authority from responsibility.
FOSPAH’s decision addresses not just this individual case but also the broader culture of bias in academic institutions. The order called for concrete steps to change the university’s culture, including forming a standing inquiry committee, displaying the statutory code of conduct across campuses, and holding regular awareness and sensitization workshops for staff and students.
This ruling sends a strong message: sexist and demeaning remarks by those in power will not be tolerated, and institutions must take active steps to create a safe and respectful environment for all.
