Bank official fired, arrested after sexual harassment video goes viral

A private bank official, who was caught harassing a woman on camera has been arrested and removed from his position following a backlash on social media prompted by the video of the incident.

In a video that went viral on social media, the bank official was seen harassing a woman. The video had prompted a strong response, with people asking the government to initiate action against the bank official.

Subsequently, Usman Gohar, who is a credit initiation unit manager at a private bank in F-10 Markaz, was issued a “letter of dismissal” from service, confirmed Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari in a tweet.

Islamabad DC Hamza Shafqaat said Gohar has been dismissed from service by the bank over harassment. “He cannot be hired by any other bank as per State Bank regulations,” he added.

Following the arrest, the deputy inspector-general of police for operations had noted that “further legal action [was] being taken”.

Faysal Bank also issued a clarification, distancing itself from the official. Usman Gohar “has been terminated effective immediately” but stressed that though an employee, he was not a branch manager.

In the statement, the bank termed the harassment an “individual act” that goes against the standards set by the bank.