PTV current affairs director sacked over sexual harassment claims, authority misuse

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Television (PTV) has sacked its Director Current Affairs Agha Masood Shorish, following allegations of sexual harassment and misuse of authority by multiple staffers at the state-run broadcaster.

An office order said Friday he was terminated with effect from November 15, 2017 “in pursuance of directives of the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting & National Heritage.”

Although the order from PTV’s Controller Administration & Personnel Abdur Rashid does not mention why Shorish was sacked, it is no secret he was removed for allegedly sexually harassing female colleagues.

Shorish is likely to go to court against this decision.

A total of five inquiries had been initiated against Shorish, including three for sexual harassment. PTV's 14 producers had also filed a complaint against him in the Islamabad High Court, and the issue was also taken up in the National Assembly.

Shorish, who was suspended three months ago for negligence, had continued to receive his salary and all other benefits during his suspension period. He also officially retired around a decade ago after reaching the age of superannuation.

The executive also reportedly used PTV's legal resources to defend himself in the court even though the organisation was not a party in the case.

Tanzeela Mazhar, a former PTV employee who was among the main complainants against Shorish said in a tweet on Friday: "Finally, [the] darkest chapter of harassment, corruption and nepotism is closed. Thank you everyone who stood by us to make this happen."

Finally Darkest chapter of harrassment,corruption and nepotism is closed.thank you everyone who stood by us to make this happen

Special thanks to @ShaziaAttaMarri @NasimZehra @marvisirmed @Maria_Memon @MunizaeJahangir @SsamanJay @SaeedGhani1 @Fereeha @asmashirazi pic.twitter.com/c1xHwSSRZV

— Tanzeela Mazhar (@TenzilaMazhar) November 17, 2017

She thanked PPP lawmakers Saeed Ghani and Shazia Marri, and multiple TV anchors for their support.