Pakistan's ex-envoy dismissed for sexually harassing female colleague

Islamabad: Pakistan's former Ambassador to Italy, Nadeem Riyaz got walking papers after found guilty of harassing a female colleague in Rome.

A Pakistan federal ombudsperson for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplaces has recommended dismissal of Nadeem Riyaz from service alongside slapping a hefty fine of Rs 5 million to be paid to Saira Imdad, the complainant.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reportedly directed by the ombudsperson to implement the decision within seven days and submit the report.

Saira Imdad was posted as trade officer in Pakistan's embassy in Rome when Riyaz was the Ambassador, IANS reported.

Saira accused Riyaz of behaving in a "disrespectful, hostile and humiliating manner".

Riyaz reportedly asked Imdad to travel with her to places unrelated to her job and live near his house. He asked her to race her car with his cycle, the report said.

Imdad accused Riyaz of sexually harassed her, alongside making the work environment so hostile for her that she returned to Pakistan before her three-year term.

Imdad tweeted expressing her gratitude to Khan and her lawyer Muhammed Ahmed Pansota.

"Won my sexual harassment claim against Mr. Nadeem Riaz, Ex-Ambassador to Italy. It was a long fight for justice," she tweeted.

Having retired from Foreign Service in 2020, Riaz was posted as President of Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on contract by the Foreign Ministry.

The IRS is the official think tank of the foreign office.