The Supreme Court has ruled that the personnel of Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 do not qualify as civil servants.
In a written decision delivered by Justice Ayesha Malik, the Supreme Court annulled the ruling of the Punjab Service Tribunal and upheld the appeals submitted by the government.
According to the ruling, employees of the Punjab Emergency Service are recognised as public servants.
However, their employment matters do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Punjab Service Tribunal.
The court noted that simply designating an organisation as a government department does not necessarily classify its employees as civil servants.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court indicated that the employees of Rescue 1122 are governed by a distinct legal framework and the Rescue 1122 Rules 2007.
Despite the amendment enacted in 2021, the Punjab Emergency Service continues to operate as an autonomous legal entity.
SC announces decision on salaries of suspended govt employees
Earlier, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that suspension from service does not equate to dismissal, removal, or termination, and that a government employee retains the right to receive full salary and benefits during the suspension period.
In a four-page judgment written by Justice Shakeel Ahmad, the court observed that suspension is a temporary administrative measure that prevents an employee from carrying out official duties.
However, it does not break the employment relationship.
The court emphasised that the service contract remains valid throughout the suspension period.
The bench concluded that a suspended civil servant remains in their position, and consequently, all contractual rights are preserved, including the civil servant’s entitlement to receive full pay and allowances, until a final resolution is reached in the case.
Read more: Supreme Court announces major decision on salary of suspended employees
