Tech Desk 
Aug 31, 2025
An undated image of a person watching CCTV footage. — Canva
The Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) has ruled that excessive CCTV oversight of employees is workplace harassment, establishing a critical foundation for privacy rights in the workplace.
However, the ruling was made after a female employee at a private educational institution in Rawalpindi complained against the institution's CEO, claiming that she was being constantly monitored using cameras and also received CCTV images of herself that created fear and anxiety.
Upon the review of the case, the Ombudsperson Fauzia Viquar imposed a fine of Rs50,000 on the CEO of the institution for misusing surveillance for disgracing and intimidating an employee.
The judgement stated that the surveillance was not only unnecessary but also discriminatory, contributing to a hostile environment that adversely affected the dignity and privacy of the complainant.
FOSPAH also ordered the institution to take steps towards workplace reforms, which included creating a functioning inquiry committee to deal with complaints of harassment and displaying a code of conduct action in English and Urdu, respectively, to remind employees of their rights.
The Ombudsperson's office stated clearly that harassment at the workplace is not limited to matters of inappropriate advances but also includes punitive behaviour, which creates an atmosphere of fear and discomfort.
“This ruling reinforces that surveillance cannot be weaponised to target or control staff. Respect for privacy and dignity is a core workplace right,” the statement said.
The case highlights how misuse of technology, even for monitoring purposes, can cross boundaries and become a form of harassment.
