Swiss embassy 'harassment' probe

By Mubashir Zaidi
BBC News, Islamabad

Pakistan has launched an investigation into allegations that a Pakistani woman was sexually harassed by a visa officer at the Swiss embassy in Islamabad.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency head Tariq Pervez told the BBC that they had put a number of questions to accused man, a Pakistani national.

The foreign office confirmed that Swiss officials were also investigating the man, who is an assistant visa officer.

There are other complaints of sexual harassment against him, officials say.

Other complaints

Pakistani businesswoman Umma Salma has filed a formal complaint of sexual harassment against the official with the police.

A spokesman for the Islamabad police said they were seeking legal advice as to whether a formal case could be registered against the embassy official.

Mr Pervez said his agency would wait to hear the official's response to the questions put to him, before deciding whether to take their investigation further.

Pakistani foreign office spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam has confirmed that Swiss embassy officials were summoned last week after other complaints of sexual harassment had been made against the same embassy employee.

She said the Swiss authorities had replied that an investigation was underway against the official by the Swiss government.