u/someone_200117

Assalamualaikum everyone. I hope you are all doing well.

I am from Rawalpindi and I am seeking legal advice regarding a serious workplace matter involving harassment, humiliation, unfair treatment, termination, and unpaid salary.

I worked for an organization as a Quran teacher, where I taught international students. During my employment, I experienced what I consider to be repeated harassment, humiliation, mental pressure, and unfair treatment. I was also repeatedly pressured to do certain things that I was uncomfortable with or did not agree with. When I refused, I faced what I perceived as retaliatory and hostile behavior.

Despite these circumstances, I continued working because I was financially dependent on my job. I worked sincerely and with dedication for a considerable period of time. Eventually, when the situation became unbearable, I raised my concerns with senior management.

Shortly afterwards, I was terminated. What was particularly distressing was that, after my departure, I learned that negative statements and allegations were allegedly being made about me to new employees. According to what I was told, people were being informed that a particular female employee had been terminated because of certain alleged misconduct. I strongly dispute these allegations and believe that my reputation was deliberately damaged after I raised concerns about my treatment.

There were also employees who witnessed my work and the circumstances I experienced there, and I believe some of them could potentially provide relevant information if required.

My salary and other financial dues were also withheld, which placed me under significant financial pressure.

Later, I joined another institution. Unfortunately, I experienced serious workplace issues there as well. There were inadequate working conditions, including lack of proper cooling and backup facilities, and I continued working despite extremely difficult conditions, including during a heatwave. Eventually, I submitted my resignation. However, shortly afterwards, I was terminated, and I have concerns regarding the salary and other dues that I was supposed to receive for the relevant period.

I believe there is a connection between my previous workplace and the treatment I later received, because I had previously raised concerns about the first organization. However, I do not want to make an accusation that I cannot legally substantiate, which is why I am seeking advice before taking further action.

I am now considering filing a complaint before FOSPAH (Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment) and pursuing whatever other legal remedies may be available to me.

At the same time, I want to raise public awareness about what I experienced. I have heard similar concerns from other female employees, but many people are afraid to speak publicly. I would like to share my experience on social media and, if appropriate, identify the organization and provide relevant evidence.

My main question is:

If I file a formal complaint first and then speak publicly about my personal experience on social media, what legal risks could I face?

Could the organization potentially file a defamation case against me if I publicly discuss my experience, name the organization, or make allegations about the treatment I received?

What is the safest way to raise awareness while protecting myself legally? For example, should I restrict my statements strictly to facts that I can prove through documents, screenshots, messages, salary records, witnesses, etc.?

I am willing to provide the organization's name, location, and supporting evidence privately if that is appropriate. I would genuinely appreciate advice from lawyers or anyone familiar with Pakistani labour law, workplace harassment law, FOSPAH proceedings, and defamation law.

I am not looking to make false accusations or harm anyone's reputation. I simply want to protect myself, and know the correct way to speak about what happened to me.

Thank you to anyone who can guide me.