Omair Rana rejects sexual harassment allegations, will pursue legal action

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Actor Omair Rana has rejected allegations of sexual harassment, saying he will approach the Federal Investigation Agency under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act

The Pyar Ke Sadqey actor has been accused of sexual harassment by current and former students of Lahore Grammar School (LGS) 1A1 Ghalib Market Branch, who claim he made them uncomfortable through his inappropriate jokes and comments. They have also claimed that he flirted with underage female students and exchanged inappropriate text messages.

"Sexual harassment is a heinous crime and should be treated with the seriousness that it deserves. At the same time the dignity and respect of individuals must not be falsely tainted," Rana wrote on Twitter.

Rana was subsequently criticised on social media for the decision, including by LGS students, for choosing to pursue defamation laws.

In late June, current and former LGS students came forward on social media to reveal years of ongoing rampant sexual harassment as well as subsequent cover up and victim-blaming by staff and faculty.

Following the accusations of harassment, three teachers — Aitezaz Rehman Sheikh, Umer Shareef and Zahid Iqbal Warraich — were fired, while Rana's wife, Maira Omair Rana, was suspended in light of accusations of abetting the behaviour.

Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari as well as the Punjab government took notice of the incident, with the latter promising justice for the victims.