In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has reaffirmed gender equality by declaring a married daughter eligible for employment under the deceased government employee’s quota, overturning her wrongful dismissal. The decision, delivered on April 6, 2025, by a two-judge bench comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, marks a significant step toward dismantling discriminatory practices in public sector hiring.
The case stemmed from an appeal by a woman appointed as a primary school teacher in Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the quota reserved for children of deceased government employees. Her appointment was abruptly canceled by a local education officer, citing a clarification letter that barred married daughters from such benefits. The officer’s decision, made without prior notice, sparked outrage and led to the legal challenge.
In a detailed nine-page verdict, Justice Shah condemned the clarification as an overreach by the Establishment Department, which lacked authority to alter Rule 10(4) of the employment regulations—a power reserved solely for the governor. The court found no legal basis for excluding married daughters, labeling the policy as a clear violation of constitutional rights and Pakistan’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“A woman’s identity and rights remain intact, irrespective of her marital status,” Justice Shah wrote, rejecting the notion that marriage diminishes a woman’s autonomy. The ruling criticized the use of gender-biased interpretations in administrative decisions and called for more inclusive language in official practices.
The Supreme Court ordered the woman’s immediate reinstatement, complete with backdated benefits, setting a precedent for future cases. Legal experts hailed the judgment as a victory for women’s rights, urging authorities to review similar discriminatory policies nationwide. The decision underscores Pakistan’s evolving judicial stance on gender equity, resonating with global calls for fairness and inclusion.
