IBA Karachi vs. Harassment Allegations: High Court Steps In – What’s Next?

KARACHI: – The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi has found itself in the spotlight after a high-profile harassment case involving a former lecturer, Ms. Zahra Sabri, and the institute’s registrar. The case, which dates back to 2023, has taken a new turn with the Sindh High Court intervening and putting a hold on key recommendations.

What Happened?

Ms. Sabri filed a complaint under the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010. An inquiry committee cleared the registrar but recommended that IBA issue an apology and pay PKR 300,000 to the complainant. However, IBA’s administration rejected these recommendations, arguing the complaint wasn’t against them.

The matter escalated when Ms. Sabri approached the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, which ruled that IBA’s Competent Authority had no power to dismiss the committee’s recommendations. The ombudsman ordered a new authority to enforce them.

High Court’s Intervention

IBA, contesting the ombudsman’s interpretation, moved the Sindh High Court. On June 26, 2025, the court temporarily halted the apology letter and compensation, pending a final decision. IBA maintains that no judicial body has yet validated the inquiry committee’s recommendations.

IBA’s Stance

In its press release, IBA emphasized its commitment to gender empowerment and fair dispute resolution, urging the public to avoid “misinformation” circulating on social media. The institute insists the legal process must run its course before conclusions are drawn.

What’s Next?

All eyes are now on the Sindh High Court as it prepares to rule on whether the ombudsman’s decision stands. The outcome could set a precedent for how harassment cases are handled in Pakistani educational institutions.