LAHORE: Governor Sardar Saleem Haider has set aside the order of the Punjab ombudsperson regarding alleged workplace harassment by the former director-general of Punjab Land Record Authority (PLRA) against a former assistant director (land record).
In his six-page order, the governor recorded that former assistant director Fareeha Irum Warraich had filed a harassment complaint with the ombudsperson against PLRA former DG Moazzam Iqbal Sipra that she had approached the DG for posting near her home under the wedlock policy but was subjected to verbal humiliation, intimidation and harassment. Mr Sipra denied all allegations in his written defence to the ombudsperson adding that the harassment complaint had been filed after a delay of almost two years to malign, blackmail and harass him.
The former DG stated that the ex-assistant director was involved in fraudulent transactions concerning state land worth billions of rupees and an inquiry was underway. Furthermore, the competent authority, after conducting proceedings under the Peeda Act 2006, found sufficient grounds to establish the charge of willful absenteeism against the former assistant director. Consequently, the penalty of termination of service contract was imposed. Her departmental appeal against the termination order was rejected by the Senior Member Board of Revenue as well as a revision petition rejected by the chief secretary.
The governor also noted, “The ombudsperson has passed an impugned May 19 order in defiance and violation of the injunctive orders passed by this Appellate Authority on Oct 21 and Oct 22, 2024”.
The governor also showed his grave concern over the inappropriate and threatening tone of the former assistant director during a hearing on record. He also observed that the ombudsperson squarely relied upon the testimonies of two witnesses, who were earlier dismissed from PLRA service on serious charges of corruption and financial irregularities, while passing the impugned order.
Terms harassment complaint against PLRA ex-DG unfounded
Considering the facts of the case, the governor noted that it could be safely inferred that the ex-assistant director’s allegations were unsubstantiated, lacking documentary evidence and reliable witness.
On the other hand, the defence raised by the ex-DG was found to be credible, well-reasoned and consistent with the factual matrix of the case. “Under these circumstances, the Appellate Authority is convinced that the impugned order is not only unjustified but devoid of legal force to uphold the principles of justice. Hence, the impugned decision by the Punjab ombudsperson warrants interference by this Appellate Authority and sets aside the ombudsperson’s May 19 order along with ancillary orders issued on August 27 and September 18 last year,” reads the governor’s order.
Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2025