Man fined Rs1mln for sending indecent WhatsApp messages

Hassan Leghari was found guilty of harassment under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act

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A man has been fined Rs1 million for sending indecent messages via WhatsApp, with the President's office affirming the Federal Ombudswoman’s ruling against him.

Hassan Ali Khan Leghari was found guilty of harassment under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act after he sent inappropriate messages to complainant Syeda Gulbadan Shahid.

Leghari had initially denied all accusations but was found culpable by FOSPA, Pakistan’s Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment.

Following the ombudswoman’s decision, Leghari appealed to the President’s office in an effort to overturn the verdict.

However, his appeal was rejected, and the initial ruling and fine remain in place.

This endorsement of the ombudswoman’s decision by the President’s office underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enforcing online harassment laws, marking a significant precedent in the legal response to digital harassment.

A spokesperson for the federal ombudsperson noted that Leghari’s messages constituted a breach of workplace protection laws, which aim to safeguard women from harassment.

This case, now reaffirmed at the highest office, is seen as a reinforcement of the country’s stance against harassment in both physical and digital workplaces.