ISLAMABAD — The recent case of Sub-Inspector Farheen Murtaza, who has accused her senior colleagues in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) of harassment and discrimination, has once again highlighted the grim reality faced by female officers in government institutions. This incident comes just days after another high-profile harassment case in the FIA, involving DIG Hamayun Masood Sindhu, who was removed from his post for allegedly harassing a female Assistant Director, Ms. Sania Shahid, and instructed to report to the Establishment Division. The FIA has long faced allegations of systemic harassment and gender-based discrimination against its female officers. Complaints have been filed with the Federal Ombudsman and other authorities, but no significant action has been taken. Female officers, such as Ms. Farheen Murtaza and Ms. Sania Shahid, have repeatedly claimed that they are subjected to inappropriate advances, harassment, and undue pressure from male colleagues. Ms. Farheen, who is the daughter of a female provincial minister from Gilgit-Baltistan, has alleged that even her influential background has not shielded her from mistreatment. In her petition, she claimed that FIA officials, particularly those from the PSP cadre, protect their male colleagues and turn a blind eye to women’s grievances. The plight of female officers in the FIA is compounded by discriminatory practices in promotions and postings. Despite serving for 21 years, women officers have only been promoted once, compared to their male counterparts, who have received up to four promotions, often securing high-ranking positions. Ms. Farheen’s case is a glaring example of this disparity. After years of service with an unblemished record, she was repeatedly sidelined and subjected to humiliating duties, such as being made subordinate to junior officers and handling data entry tasks outside her job description. Ms. Farheen has accused her superiors, including Deputy Director Kamran Aamir Khan and Inspector Humaira Arbab, of targeting her with abusive language, baseless accusations, and even recommending her dismissal under the pretext of mental health concerns. These allegations have led to significant psychological trauma for Ms. Farheen, who was forced to seek medical leave. Similar harassment was reported by Assistant Director Sania Shahid, whose courage to file a complaint against a senior officer led to his transfer. However, such actions remain rare, as most complaints are ignored or buried in bureaucratic processes. The harassment and exploitation of women in government institutions like the FIA are not isolated incidents. Across Pakistan, countless women in public service are reportedly coerced into compromising situations to safeguard their jobs. Many suffer in silence, as their complaints are either dismissed or buried under piles of bureaucratic paperwork. Advocacy groups and NGOs focusing on women’s rights have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of accountability for male officers involved in harassment. However, neither the government nor these organizations have taken significant steps to address this pervasive issue. The case of SI Farheen Murtaza underscores the urgent need for systemic reform within the FIA and other government institutions. Women officers, particularly in male-dominated departments, require stronger protections against harassment and discrimination. If no action is taken to address the deep-rooted issues in the FIA, these incidents will continue to tarnish the reputation of one of Pakistan’s most important investigative agencies, leaving countless women to endure injustice in silence. Ms. Farheen Murtaza, has found herself at the center of a fiery workplace controversy, alleging harassment and discrimination at the hands of senior colleagues, only to later be served with an official charge sheet accusing her of misconduct. This unfolding drama, marked by claims of abuse, inefficiency, and procedural violations, has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the FIA and beyond. In a detailed complaint filed under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, Ms. Farheen recounted years of professional challenges, including delayed promotions and discriminatory postings. Having joined the FIA as an Assistant Sub-Inspector in 2004, she claims her spotless record and two decades of service were undermined when she was demoted in rank beneath a junior officer in 2023. Her troubles worsened after her transfer to the FIA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle (AHTC) in Rawalpindi. Ms. Farheen alleges that Deputy Director Kamran Aamir Khan PSP and Inspector Humaira Arbab orchestrated her assignment to an Afghan refugees’ repatriation program at Attock—a grueling post typically staffed by male officers. Ms. Farheen accuses Inspector Humaira of a history of misconduct, alleging past involvement in a high-profile fraud scandal. The inspector purportedly used abusive and vulgar language against Ms. Farheen, further aggravating tensions. Despite health concerns, Ms. Farheen alleges she was coerced into duties beyond her job description, such as acting as a data entry operator. When she raised concerns about the legal status of Afghan nationals during an operation, she claims the Deputy Director responded with hostility and threatened her. Following the altercation, Ms. Farheen alleges the Deputy Director fabricated an absence report, accusing her of unprofessional behavior. Further, he claimed she had disclosed being a schizophrenia patient and recommended her dismissal from service. These claims, she argues, were baseless and defamatory, causing her psychological distress and necessitating medical leave. Amidst this, the FIA issued a formal charge sheet to Ms. Farheen on July 31, 2024, citing multiple allegations of misconduct. According to the FIA’s Director General, Ms. Farheen failed to report to duty on January 11-12, 2024, and displayed “stubborn behavior” and “zero interest” in her responsibilities. The charge sheet further accused her of providing unsatisfactory replies to inquiries, making false claims, and neglecting official orders. The agency has threatened major disciplinary action, including dismissal from service, under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020. Ms. Farheen has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming they are part of a coordinated effort to silence her. “I have been victimized for speaking up against corruption and discrimination,” she stated in her complaint. Her case has drawn public sympathy, with many highlighting the challenges faced by women in law enforcement. This explosive case has raised serious questions about workplace harassment and accountability within Pakistan’s premier investigative agency. Ms. Farheen’s future remains uncertain as she battles both harassment allegations and a formal disciplinary inquiry. Observers await the outcome of the inquiry, hoping for justice in a case that has already cast a long shadow over the FIA’s internal culture and practices.
