Pakistan Ends Hereditary Government Jobs for Families of Deceased Civil Servants

Pakistan Abolishes Hereditary Government Jobs for Families of Deceased Civil Servants

In a landmark decision, the Pakistani government has abolished the policy of automatically granting government jobs to family members of deceased civil servants. This move aligns with a Supreme Court ruling from October 18, 2024, which deemed the practice unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The new policy, effective immediately, will no longer offer government positions to widows, widowers, spouses, or children of deceased or medically retired employees without open competition or merit-based selection. This decision aims to promote fairness and equality in public sector employment opportunities.

However, family members of deceased employees will still be eligible for other benefits under the Prime Minister's Assistance Package. Additionally, the ruling does not apply to the families of law enforcement personnel who lose their lives in terrorist attacks. Appointments made before the Supreme Court's decision will also remain unaffected.

The Supreme Court's judgment emphasized that public sector employment cannot be "parcelled out to the functionaries of the state," as it undermines the principles of fairness and equality. The Constitution mandates equal employment and economic opportunities for all citizens.

The Court also clarified that any policy or law contradicting constitutional principles is subject to judicial review. The previous hereditary quota scheme was deemed discriminatory and unconstitutional, violating Articles 3, 4, 5(2), 18, 25(1), and 27 of the Constitution.

Federal and provincial authorities have been instructed to withdraw these laws and align them with the constitutional framework. This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring a merit-based and equitable system for government employment in Pakistan.