LHC bars PIA from dismissing senior flight steward
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday temporarily stayed the dismissal of Adnan Khan, a senior flight steward of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in a case stemming from a sexual harassment complaint. The court directed the petitioner to deposit Rs500,000 with the deputy registrar (judicial) within one week to avail the interim relief.
Justice Muhammad Raza Qureshi issued the order while hearing Khan’s
petition, which challenges the Federal Ombudsman for Protection against
Harassment's decision to terminate his employment.
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The court also issued notices to PIA, the complainant, and other
respondents, requesting their responses by January 22.
Case Details
The petitioner’s counsel argued that a female colleague accused Khan of
sexual harassment via WhatsApp, leading to a complaint filed with the Federal
Ombudsman. The ombudsman ruled in favor of the complainant, ordering Khan’s
dismissal and imposing a fine of Rs500,000. A subsequent appeal to the
president was also dismissed.
The counsel contended that the ombudsman’s decision was unlawful, alleging
that Khan was not given a fair chance to cross-examine the evidence. Additionally,
the penalty was described as excessive and disproportionate to the allegations.
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After hearing the initial arguments, the court stayed the dismissal and
sought replies from all relevant parties. Further proceedings are expected on
January 22, following the submission of responses.
Source: The News