Sexual harassment case: SHC restricts final decision in inquiries against doctor

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has restrained the Sindh Health Department, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) administrations; and the Sindh Human Rights Commission from making a final decision in inquiries initiated against the accused, Dr. Shehzad, in a sexual harassment case. However, the court has directed all the institutions to continue their respective inquiries against Dr. Shehzad. Following a complaint by a female resident doctor of JPMC, the Sindh Health department, JPMC, JSMU and the Sindh Human Rights Commission had initiated inquiries into the allegations of physical and verbal sexual harassment by head of JPMC’s Urology Department Dr. Shahzad Ali. Besides, a case has also been registered at Saddar Police Station of Karachi South, on the complaint of the same trainee doctor; however, Dr. Shahzad was granted interim bail for five days. The complainant alleged Dr. Shehzad sexually harassed her during duty hours and sent inappropriate messages. The Jinnah Hospital’s Joint Executive Director, Dr. Suleman, also filed a complaint to the police, accusing Dr. Shehzad of bringing a weapon to hospital and spreading fear. On the other hand, after an inquiry report by a committee of the JPMC, Dr. Shehzad was repatriated to his parent institution, JSMU. Dr. Shahzad in a brief reply to this reporter said all allegations against him were baseless.