By ABDULLAH 
In a landmark verdict that has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s corporate sector, K-Electric (KE) CEO Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi has been found guilty of workplace harassment by the Provincial Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace. The decision mandates Alvi’s immediate removal from office and imposes a Rs2.5 million fine, to be paid within 30 days.
If the fine is not paid in time, authorities have been authorized to seize Alvi’s movable and immovable assets, and block his CNIC and passport, making this one of the most consequential enforcement orders under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010.
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The complaint was lodged in November 2020 by Mahreen Aziz Khan, former Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO) at K-Electric. Khan, a qualified barrister from Cambridge University and a Harvard Kennedy School alumna, was the first female CxO at KE since its 2009 restructuring.
She accused Moonis Alvi of creating a hostile work environment, sending inappropriate messages, and pressuring her to join him for dinner after work. Her complaint also named other senior KE personnel—Rizwan Dalia (CPO), Col. (R) Wahid Asghar (CSO), and Khalid Rafi (Board Member, HR Committee)—though they were later discharged due to lack of direct evidence.
“Moonis Abdullah Alvi has committed harassment, created a hostile environment, and caused mental agony at the workplace to the complainant Mahreen Aziz Khan and her team,” the verdict read.
The decision, issued by Justice (Retd.) Shahnawaz Tariq, calls for Alvi’s immediate dismissal under Section 4(ii)(d) of the Act and directs him to deposit the Rs2.5 million penalty within one month.
Failing to comply could lead to:
- Seizure of assets
- Blocking of CNIC and passport
- Further legal consequences
This ruling is being hailed by women’s rights advocates as a defining moment for workplace accountability in Pakistan.
Responding to the ruling, Moonis Alvi called the verdict “deeply distressing” and pledged to challenge it in court. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Alvi stated:
“While I respect the legal process, the findings do not reflect the truth as I experienced it. This has been a painful journey—professionally and personally.”
Alvi’s legal counsel, Barristers Abid S. Zuberi and Ayan Memon, condemned the verdict as an “unreasoned order”, arguing that:
- The complaint was retaliatory after Khan’s contract termination
- Performance-related feedback was mischaracterized as harassment
- The decision was lacking in evidentiary support
The legal team confirmed that an appeal is being filed.
Despite the Ombudsman’s ruling, Moonis Alvi has received backing from several industrial bodies, including the Federal B. Area Association of Trade & Industry (FBATI) and Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI). These groups praised his leadership and pointed to significant performance improvements at KE during his tenure, especially reductions in transmission and distribution losses.
KATI urged authorities to probe what it called the “targeted campaign” against Alvi.
Meanwhile, Mahreen Khan’s legal team hailed the decision as a “victory for every working woman” in Pakistan.
“This verdict reinforces that power and influence cannot protect misconduct. It sends a clear message to corporate Pakistan—harassment will not be tolerated,” said Barrister Talal Wasif.
- First female CMCO of KE
- Barrister from Cambridge University
- Holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School
- Known for her work in corporate branding, strategic communications, and organizational transformation
Her decision to speak up is being seen as a watershed moment for gender justice in corporate Pakistan.
- Moonis Alvi’s legal appeal is expected in the coming weeks
- KE’s Board of Directors, which recently re-appointed Alvi, may be forced to reassess its decision
- Enforcement of penalties—including asset seizure—awaits if compliance is not met
This case has become a litmus test for corporate accountability, gender equity, and legal enforcement in the country’s most powerful boardrooms.