ISLAMABAD – An Australian court on Monday summoned Pakistani HighCommissioner Naela Chohan for her alleged exploitation of a domestic workerin Canberra.
The court formally issued summoned and directed the diplomat to appear inperson.
The case made headlines in local and international media because domesticworkers’ exploitation considered a big crime in Australia, a source inforeign office Islamabad said.
Shahid Mahmood, a shy 32 years old Pakistani, worked as an employee forNaela Chohan for about 19 months.
According to Shahid, he was first made to sign a sham contract declaringthat he would be paid $640 a week. The contract was signed in Pakistan andlater approved by the Australian Foreign Affairs Department.
The man says he was forced to sleep in the basement. Also, he was “verballyabused and being taken work up to 19 hours a day,” the victim complained tothe Australian authorities.
Dr Mohammad Faisal, the Foreign Office spokesperson has said that theforeign secretary had already also issued an order for conducting aninquiry into this matter.
He added that further action could be taken against Naela Chohan aftercompletion of the report.
Interestingly, even if the allegations are proved correct, no action can betaken against the diplomat – thanks to international laws.