K-Electric CEO Found Guilty of Harassing Employee, Ordered to Vacate Post And Pay Rs. 2.5 Million Fine

The Provincial Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Sindh has ordered the immediate removal of K-Electric Chief Executive Officer Moonis Alvi after finding him guilty of harassing a female employee. In a detailed ruling, Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Justice (retd) Shah Nawaz Tariq declared the allegation against Alvi as proven. He also imposed a fine of Rs. 2.5 million on Alvi to pay within one month. The decision states that the CEO not only harassed but also mentally tortured the complainant. The order warns that if the fine is not paid within the given timeframe, Alvi’s movable and immovable assets should be confiscated. Additionally, his national identity card and passport could be blocked to ensure compliance. However, Karachi’s industrial associations including Federal B. Area Association of Trade & Industry (FBATI) and Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) have backed K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi, commending him on his professionalism and leadership, after the Sindh Ombudsman ordered his removal over harassment allegations. KATI also highlighted that consistent and prolonged targeting of the CEO should be investigated under whose tenure there have been significant improvement in KE’s performance, particularly with reductions in transmission and distribution losses. It is pertinent to mention that Mr Alvi vehemently denied the charges of harassment in the 22-page order by the Sindh ombudsman on Thursday, categorically stating that he is set to appeal the decision that his lawyer termed an “unreasoned order”. In a series of tweets on X, Alvi – the longest-serving CEO of KE – said that he was going to fight back. “The recent verdict is deeply distressing to me,” he said on X. “While I respect the legal process and the institutions that uphold it, I must, in good conscience, state that the findings do not reflect the truth of the situation as I experienced it. “This has been a painful journey — not just professionally, but personally. I am currently reviewing the decision with my legal counsel and will be exercising my right to appeal. It is for anyone who feels wronged to be heard. I remain committed to ensuring that the truth is fully brought to light, through all lawful means available,” he explained. On behalf of Mr Alvi, Senior Counsels Barrister Abid S. Zuberi and Barrister Ayan Memon announced the intention to appeal. “We respect the honourable court and all its decisions. However, in light of serious procedural and legal inconsistencies, we are moving to appeal this decision before the appropriate forum and are confident that justice will prevail. “The distorted framing of performance feedback as harassment, imposition of severest penalty without reasoned rationale and anchoring of baseless allegations are massively concerning. “Mr Alvi gave full disclosure of work performance-related issues of the complainant and retaliatory complaints after her termination. These facts have been totally ignored. “A substantial portion of the order has been dedicated to frivolous allegations, not backed by hard evidence.” “I remain grateful for the support of those who know me, who have worked alongside me, and who believe in due process. My respect for the principles of justice and workplace dignity remains unwavering,” Alvi added.