IBA sacks employee involved in controversial harassment case

The administration of Institute of Business Administration (IBA) has sacked the main accused of the high-profile case of harassment in the prestigious institution which resulted in the expulsion of a student Muhammad Gibrail for highlighting the incident.

In an e-mail, available with The Express Tribune, IBA Executive Director Akbar Zaidi informed the student body about the anti-harassment committee's findings of the incident that came to light in August last year.

"The committee has decided in favour of the complainant and as per the committee’s recommendations, the IBA has taken action which has resulted in the dismissal of the main accused, the demotion of another staff member, and a third has been reprimanded for failing to address the issue in a proactive manner," Akbar said.

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He said that the committee has concluded that people management and sensitisation training is required for all departments, HoDs, and managers at the IBA.

"This decision gives me some confidence that the anti-harassment process we have at the IBA, works."

Akbar said despite the institution’s zero-tolerance regarding such issues, there is always room for improving the systems and policies. "We are fully committed to making the process easier and fairer, and to create an environment and culture at IBA which is safe, caring, and conducive to learning, research, and innovation," he added.

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Last year, Gibrail had reported on social media the alleged harassment of a female employee by an employee of the varsity’s finance department on August 25.

In a Facebook post, he shared the details of the incident as a witness. According to the IBA, the student later refused to take down his social media post and disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him.

The case sparked protests by students and the varsity was severely criticised by many netizens, who found IBA’s decision to expel Gibrail unfair and termed it an over-reaction.