Establishment Division’s move puts jobs of over 100,000 employees at risk

ISLAMABAD: The fate of over 100,000 government employees including more than 34,000 in grade 16 or above regularised by the Cabinet Committee on Regularization hangs in the balance, as the Establishment Division has issued a directive referring their cases to the FPSC.

The move, allegedly based on a Supreme Court ruling, has sparked concerns among the long-serving professionals across ministries and departments.

The Establishment Division, through its Office Memorandum (OM) No 1/29/20-Lit-III dated 19 March 2025, has directed that cases of regular employees be referred to the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). The employees in question (more than 100,000) were regularised as per the policies of the previous government and have since completed a major portion of their service.

This directive is based on an interpretation of the decision of the Supreme Court. On Monday, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Health held a meeting, and most of the MNAs shared their concerns over the decision.

A number of employees while talking to The News claim that the Establishment Division’s memorandum contains a significant legal ambiguity. The judgment cannot be applied retroactively to all departments, particularly those that were not part of the petition before the Supreme Court or High Court. Moreover, the issues and circumstances across various departments are not identical. Therefore, the Supreme Court’s decision cannot be universally implemented (“in rem”) through the Establishment Division’s OM dated 19 March 2025.

“We were initially employed on a contract basis in various ministries and their attached departments, starting in 1996 and continuing thereafter. Our recruitment was conducted through rigorous tests, interviews, and final recommendations by the respective ministries. Subsequently, we were regularised through the Cabinet Committee on Regularization with the approval of the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” commented the employees.

“The employees further said, “Many of us have served the nation for over two decades. It is important to highlight that a significant number of employees fall within the age bracket of 45–55 years, having dedicated the prime years of our lives to public service. At this stage, discontinuing our services and referring us to the FPSC for fresh tests and interviews is tantamount to terminating our employment. Among these employees are thousands of technical professionals, including Consultant Doctors (General Surgeons, Cardiac Surgeons, Plastic Surgeons, Dental Surgeons, Public Health Specialists, Medical Specialists/Physicians, Gynecologists, Pediatricians), and Nurses, who have served during critical national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and terrorism crises. Additionally, Professors, Lecturers, Teachers, highly qualified Engineers, and other officers in various ministries are also affected.”

They claimed that the Cabinet Committee had regularised over 100,000 employees, including more than 34,000 in BS-16 and above. The memorandum dated 19 March 2025 will have a devastating impact on countless employees across Pakistan who were regularised by the Cabinet Sub-Committee and have already completed a significant portion of their service. They urged the prime minister to take notice of it and issue appropriate directives in this regard. When contacted Federal Minister for Establishment, Ahad Khan Cheema said he doesn’t know about the details.