The Pakistani government has abolished the provision that automatically allowed family members of government employees to get jobs. This provision, which allowed family members of deceased government officials and employees to get jobs without any examination or competition, has been revoked.
This information was reported by Pakistani media outlet Express Tribune on Saturday (February 8).
The agency reports that the government has canceled the benefit of providing jobs to the family members of government employees who die while in service. The country’s Establishment Division has issued official instructions to all ministries and departments to implement the Supreme Court’s decision on this matter.
According to the notification issued by the Establishment Division, the provision allowing family members of officials and employees to receive jobs has been withdrawn in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling of October 18, 2024. This decision will be effective from the date of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
However, family members of deceased employees will still be eligible for other benefits under the Prime Minister’s assistance package. The memorandum clarifies that this decision will not apply to the families of law enforcement officers who lost their lives in terrorist attacks.
Additionally, appointments made before the Supreme Court’s decision will not be affected by this ruling. Following the government’s decision, all ministries and departments have been instructed to strictly implement the new policy.
Last year, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled to cancel the government job quota scheme for the family members of government employees, declaring it discriminatory and unconstitutional. Under this scheme, the widow or widower of a deceased employee, or the children of medically retired employees, were appointed to government positions without requiring open competition or merit-based examinations.
In its ruling, Pakistan’s top court stated that such a scheme was particularly discriminatory against lower-grade employees and their families. The order said, “These jobs are not hereditary and cannot be inherited.”
The court also stated that any policy or law that conflicts with constitutional principles would be subject to judicial review. The federal and provincial authorities have been instructed to withdraw these laws in accordance with the constitutional framework.
LND/Tariq
