The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has imposed a fine of Rs1.2 million on a private organisation for unlawfully terminating a female employee while she was on approved maternity leave.
In its ruling, FOSPAH declared the action a case of gender discrimination and psychological harassment. According to the findings, the employee was informed of her dismissal through a phone call and was not provided with any formal written notice or official explanation for the decision.
After examining documentary evidence and witness testimonies, the authority concluded that terminating an employee during maternity leave violates legal protections afforded to working women. The ruling emphasized that pregnancy and maternity-related circumstances cannot be used as grounds for unfavorable treatment or loss of employment.
The decision reinforces the importance of workplace rights and highlights the legal safeguards designed to protect women from discrimination during pregnancy and maternity leave.