| Citation(s) |
|---|
| 2026 SLD 3174 |
W.P No. 3663-P/2024
Presented By: (IJAZ ANWAR) JUDGE
For Appellant (s): Mr. Sultan Muhammad Khan, advocate For
Respondent(s) Mr. Akbar Yousaf Khalil, DAG with Ali Hussain, Superintendent, Directorate General, PPO, Islamabad, Dr. Rahat Ali, Assistant Supdt: P.O, Peshawar, Tahir Hussain, A.D, Nadeem Khan A.S, Aamir Jan, A.S, GPO Peshawar. Date of hearing: 21.05.2026.
Aniqa Waheed and others.
VS
Govt of Pakistan through Secretary Communications, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad and others.
Law: Constitution of Pakistan 1973
Section: 4, 10-A, 199
Law: Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020
Section: 2(k)
Law: Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964
Section:
Summary
The petitioners, appointed in Pakistan Post after a regular recruitment process in 2023, challenged recommendations and official letters seeking to declare the entire recruitment process null and void without issuing individual notices or providing an opportunity of hearing. Other connected petitioners challenged the legality of those appointments.
The Court held that even if irregularities existed in the recruitment process, the services of appointed employees could not be terminated collectively without due process. Cancellation of appointments without issuing show-cause notices and without affording a fair hearing violated Articles 4 and 10-A of the Constitution and the principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that responsibility primarily lies with the appointing authorities rather than innocent appointees, unless an employee obtained appointment through fraud, misrepresentation, or lacked basic eligibility.
Accordingly, the Court set aside the impugned letters, directed the authorities to proceed strictly in accordance with law by providing each employee an opportunity of hearing under the Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, and disposed of the connected petitions accordingly.