October 31, 2025
By Staff Report
ISLAMABAD
The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) has demanded the immediate resignation of Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, Vice Chancellor of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST), after the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (FOSPAH) found him guilty of making derogatory, sexist and gender-stereotypical remarks against a female faculty member.
WAF said the ruling is “a significant step toward gender justice” and warned that allowing Dr. Shinwari to remain in office would endanger the credibility of the institution and the wellbeing of of women faculty, staff, and students.
The Ombudsperson, in a detailed verdict issued on October 28, imposed a minor penalty of censure on the Vice Chancellor after multiple witnesses confirmed that he repeatedly made comments suggesting that women over the age of 35 “experience hormonal issues” that affect their mental stability and create problems in the workplace.
The Ombudsperson ruled that such comments and their repetition in professional settings amount to “sexually demeaning behavior” and “gender-based discrimination” under Sections 2(h)(i) and 2(h)(ii) of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
The Ombudsperson observed that the remarks represented a “pattern of gender stereotyping that undermines the dignity of women in the workplace,” adding that University heads bear an institutional duty to demonstrate exemplary gender sensitivity, as their words and actions shape the culture of the academic community.
“Remarks attributing women’s professional performance to hormonal changes constitute gender-based stereotyping,” the verdict stated, noting that such views “risk normalising prejudice” when expressed by a university head.
Reacting to the ruling, WAF said the decision “serves as a reminder that demeaning women or perpetuating gender stereotypes not only poison professional environments but also constitute legal harassment.” The Forum expressed “deep regret” that despite the court’s findings, the Vice Chancellor continued to make inappropriate comments, which it said reflects contempt for both the law and the responsibilities of his office.
“A person who holds derogatory views about women cannot be allowed to remain at the helm of an academic institution,” the statement said.
The Forum also expressed concern over reports that the Vice Chancellor is seeking a presidential pardon for his conviction. WAF described the move as morally unjustified, arguing that the penalty was imposed not for administrative lapses but for ethical and gender-based violations.
The Forum urged the President of Pakistan—who also serves as the Chancellor of FUUAST—to take urgent action. It called for placing Dr. Shinwari on forced leave, convening an emergency meeting of the University Senate to review his conduct, and initiating reforms to institutionalise gender sensitivity, in accordance with the Ombudsperson’s directions.
What the Ombudsperson Found
The 15-page verdict documents the testimony of multiple witnesses who confirmed that the Vice Chancellor made repeated remarks portraying women as emotionally unstable due to “hormonal changes.”
Dr. Ehtisham-ul-Haq, Head of Economics, testified that the VC made such statements “more than once.” Another witness, Additional Registrar Muhammad Aleem Raza, corroborated that similar comments were delivered in professional meetings.
In his own defense, Dr. Shinwari acknowledged making the remarks but argued that his intention was to promote empathy by citing “biological factors.” The Ombudsperson rejected this justification as “conditional and dismissive,” noting that “ignorance of gender stereotypes cannot absolve duty bearers of responsibility,” especially those leading educational institutions.
The verdict cited international jurisprudence, including Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins (1989), to emphasise that employment-related decisions or commentary based on stereotypes constitute discrimination.
Directives to FUUAST
The Ombudsperson instructed the university to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and mandated immediate compliance with statutory obligations:
Formation of a standing harassment inquiry committee,
Display of the Code of Conduct across campus,
Regular awareness workshops and sensitisation sessions for faculty and students.
A compliance report must be submitted within a week.