Employer Penalized Rs50,000 for Targeted CCTV Surveillance of Staff

The Federal Ombudsman for Anti-Harassment has declared that targeted excessive workplace surveillance through CCTV amounts to harassment, ruling against Yashal English House Chief Executive Azhar Abbas in a recent case.

The complaint was filed by a female staff member who alleged that Abbas persistently targeted her through surveillance and inappropriate conduct. She claimed she was never issued an appointment letter or informed of her employment terms.

According to her statement, Abbas showed her CCTV footage on his phone, told her he was monitoring her, made unwanted advances, offered to take her to Islamabad, and insisted on dropping her home. She further alleged she was denied leave, forced to meet unreasonable work demands, and subjected to abusive language.

The complainant stated that after she sent a formal harassment notice in January, her contract was terminated and her salary withheld. In response, Abbas argued that she was a probationary student counselor who was dismissed for indiscipline, misconduct, and poor performance.

The Ombudsman’s ruling found insufficient evidence to support claims related to workload, leave disputes, and a reported incident on January 24. However, it determined that CCTV surveillance and sharing of footage created psychological pressure, amounting to harassment. Drawing on international precedents, the decision established that targeted or excessive monitoring qualifies as workplace harassment.

As a result, Abbas was issued a reprimand and ordered to pay Rs50,000 in compensation to the complainant.

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