A Scottish woman who was called a ‘fatty’ and a ‘prostitute’ by her sexist ex-boss, who wanted’slim, intelligent girls’ in his workplace, was granted $19,000 in damages.
Aishah Zaman, 35, dragged Shahzad Younas, 45, to a tribunal in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, following nearly two years of insulting comments and sexual advances at textile company Knightsbridge Furnishing Ltd.
Russell Bradley, an employment judge, determined that the conduct was “humiliating and disrespectful.”
Mr. Younas, who is married and spends the most of his time in Pakistan as a political activist, sent Ms. Zaman text messages referring to her as’motee’ (Punjabi for ‘fat’) and stating that he desired’slim intelligent girls’ in his office.
Aishah Zaman, 35, was awarded £19,000 in damages after her chauvinist ex-boss called her a ‘fatty’ and a ‘prostitute’ and stated he wanted’slim, intellectual girls’ in his office.
After nearly two years of insulting comments and sexual advances at Knightsbridge Furnishing Ltd in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Ms. Zaman dragged Shahzad Younas, 45, to a tribunal.
Mr. Younas, who has been photographed with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, allegedly advised Ms. Zaman to quit DJing at night since it was the “job of prostitutes.”
Ms. Zaman of Glasgow asserted that Mr. Younas was a “bully” who viewed his employees as “slaves.”
The employer, who has been photographed alongside the ex-prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, advised Ms. Zaman to cease DJing at night since it was the “job of prostitutes.”
The court heard that Mr. Younas sent Ms. Zaman text messages containing the phrases “Don’t break my heart” and “I fancy you” and offered to purchase her a Mercedes.
In addition, he emailed her a graphic image of female genitalia, urged her to clean his apartment, and instructed her to unpack his bag, including his underpants, since this was “woman’s labor.”
In April 2020, everything came to a head when Ms. Zaman informed him she was too busy to reconfigure an office.
Mr. Younas spoke to her as a “idiot” and a “pain in the a**” before grabbing her by the arm with both hands and saying, “I am going to f*** you,” which she interpreted as a threat to destroy her life.
Mr. Younas advised her to leave and never return, and he subsequently sold the company and resigned as a director.
Ms. Zaman of Glasgow asserted that Mr. Younas was a “bully” who viewed his employees as “slaves.”
The tribunal heard that Mr. Younas sent Ms. Zaman text messages containing the phrases “Don’t break my heart” and “I fancy you” and offered to purchase her a Mercedes.
Ms. Zaman stated that the ordeal had impacted her mental health, as she had recently discontinued medicines. The legal struggle that ensued has cost her almost £10,000
Ms. Zaman remarked, “I could not allow him to get away with this.” I’ve never encountered such a man before; he was a bully.
He only ever desired to work with women and considered his employees to be slaves. Prior to evaluating their abilities, he would evaluate their attractiveness.
Russell Bradley, an employment judge, stated that Mr. Younas had a “outdated picture of a subservient female” and held that he and Knightsbridge Furnishing Ltd. were both guilty of discrimination.
Ms. Zaman was granted £18,984, but she has not yet received it.
Mr. Bradley wrote: “Messages implying that her desire for a relationship was sexually motivated were unwanted and humiliating.”
Mr. Younas later asserted that Ms. Zaman had embezzled £17,718 from the business and offered to remove the claim if she withdrew the suit.
Later, Mr. Younas asserted that Ms. Zaman had embezzled £17,718 from the company and offered to remove the accusation if she withdrew the suit.
Mr. Bradley described the claims as “false” and “lacking any factual basis,” adding, “From our perspective, it is obvious that the false allegations were made in response to the protected act [reporting sexist behavior].”
Mr. Younas stated he was unaware of any action taken in his absence and denied sending the messages when asked for response.
However, documents reveal that he submitted replies to the tribunal and was represented at the May hearing.
Mr. Younas and Knightsbridge Furnishing pulled out of the case prior to its conclusion.
Mr. Younas stated, “There was no communication access when I sold the company, thus I am unaware of any proceedings.”
Sameer Khan, the current director of Knightsbridge Furnishing Ltd, stated, ‘We informed the employment tribunal that we ceased operations in May 2022 due to losses. Since we are no longer in business, we are unable to settle any claims.’