Sarwar upholds sexual harassment verdict

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar on Thursday dismissed the appeal of Deputy Director Planning Asim Arsalan against the sentence of sexual harassment issued by the ombudsman.

Earlier, the ombudsman had issued a verdict against Deputy Director Planning Asim Arsalan for sexually harassing Mehnaz Nazar, a female worker of the Punjab Population Welfare Department.

The accused then pleaded against the decision in an appeal to the governor requesting overrule. However, the governor proceeded to uphold the ombudsman’s decision after deliberating upon the arguments presented by both parties. The decision of the three-year suspension of increments of the accused was thus upheld.

“Crimes of sexual harassment, particularly with women, cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” the governor maintained.

Sarwar in his message on the occasion of New Year stated, “I am sure that this year will be the year of development, unity and peace.”

He warned against the pandemic that even during the upcoming year people must undertake all precautionary measures including full implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their health and wellbeing.

In his message, he also appealed to the opposition parties to engage in dialogue instead of causing chaos and disorder to send a message to the enemies of Pakistan that we are all united to protect our national interest. At the beginning of the New Year, the governor said, the country also renews its pledge of supporting the struggle of the Kashmiri brothers and sisters deprived of their rights by India.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2021.