ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ruled that continuous CCTV surveillance of employees in the workplace constitutes harassment, as demonstrated in a recent case involving a private teaching institution in Rawalpindi.
Ombudsperson Fauzia Viquar imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on the institution’s chief executive officer after it was determined that the CEO had engaged in excessive and unjustified surveillance of a female employee. The complaint highlighted that the CEO sent CCTV images to the complainant, creating an intimidating work environment.
The ombudsperson’s decision emphasized that such actions breach workplace dignity and privacy, broadening the definition of harassment beyond inappropriate advances to include any conduct that instills fear and discomfort.
In addition to the fine, the verdict mandates the institution to implement workplace reforms, which include forming an inquiry committee and publicly displaying a workplace code of conduct in both English and Urdu.
“This case serves as a warning that surveillance should not be used to control, intimidate, or target employees. Privacy and dignity must be respected as fundamental rights in the workplace,” stated the ombudsperson’s office.
This ruling underlines the importance of safeguarding employees’ rights to privacy and dignity, signaling a strict stance on misuse of surveillance technology in professional settings.
