Sindh Ombudsman Orders K-Electric CEO’s Removal for Harassment

On July 31, 2025, the Provincial Ombudsman for Sindh, Justice (retired) Shahnawaz Tariq, ordered the immediate removal of K-Electric’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Syed Moonis Alvi, after finding him guilty of harassing a female employee. The ruling, issued under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, also imposed a Rs2.5 million fine on Alvi, to be paid within one month, as reported by The Express Tribune.

The verdict followed a complaint by Mahreen Aziz Khan, K-Electric’s former chief marketing officer, who alleged that Alvi created a hostile work environment and caused mental distress to her and her team. The ombudsman’s 22-page order detailed that Alvi’s actions violated workplace safety standards, mandating his dismissal and the fine to be paid through the registrar’s office. Failure to comply could lead to the seizure of Alvi’s assets and the blocking of his Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport, according to HUM News. Three other K-Electric officials named in the complaint—Rizwan Dalia, Col (Retired) Wahid Asghar, and Khalid Rafi—were cleared due to insufficient evidence.

Alvi, who joined K-Electric in 2008 and became CEO in 2018, was reappointed by the company’s board on July 7, 2025, effective July 30, just before the ruling. In a statement on X, Alvi called the verdict “deeply distressing,” asserting that it did not reflect his experience of the events. He announced plans to appeal, emphasizing his respect for legal processes while maintaining his commitment to workplace dignity, as quoted by Geo.tv. Public reactions on X, including posts by @AsadAToor, highlighted the ruling’s significance in addressing workplace harassment.

The decision underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enforcing anti-harassment laws, holding even high-profile corporate leaders accountable. K-Electric now faces the challenge of addressing leadership transitions while maintaining operational stability in Karachi’s power sector. The ombudsman’s firm stance signals a broader push for workplace accountability, with the case drawing significant attention across media platforms.