ISLAMABAD: National Highway Authority (NHA) Chief Executive Officer Captain (Retired) Asadullah Khan has pledged strict action against employees found involved in workplace harassment following complaints from female interns.
Asadullah Khan said the matter had come to his attention and made it clear that the authority would not limit its response to warnings. He vowed to take action against those found responsible, including cases where complaints had been made verbally.
“I have issued the directions. No one will be spared,” he said, stressing that the issue was not tolerable.
The statement comes after the NHA received at least 10 verbal complaints from female interns alleging misconduct by officers and officials during the current year. No formal written complaints had been submitted, according to the information reported about the matter.
NHA Issues Warning to Employees
Following the complaints, the NHA’s Committee for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace issued a circular directing employees to maintain professional behaviour and avoid harassment or inappropriate conduct.
The instructions prohibit sexually oriented remarks, unwanted gestures, inappropriate comments and unwanted physical contact involving employees, interns or trainees.
The circular also requires all official communication, including calls, text messages, emails and social media interactions, to remain professional and respectful.
Strict Action Under Harassment Law
The NHA has warned employees against using their official position or influence to seek personal or sexual favours. Intimidation, victimisation and retaliation against anyone reporting harassment have also been prohibited.
The circular states that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against employees found violating the instructions under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022.
Heads of departments and officials responsible for zones, regions and projects have been directed to share the instructions with their teams and ensure compliance.
The NHA’s response signals that the authority intends to address workplace conduct concerns and hold employees accountable where misconduct is established.
