Supreme Court seeks explanation over ban on govt jobs

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to come up with an explanation, spelling out the rationale behind a ban imposed by it on recruitment of public servants ahead of general elections.

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, a bench of the apex court was hearing a petition against the electoral body for imposing a  ban on fresh appointments in all federal and provincial departments across the country.

At the start of hearing, the chief justice asked the ECP secretary to explain under what law the ban has been slapped. In some important institutions, the process of recruitment of their heads is underway, he observed.

He asked if the Commission had powers to impose such ban, to which the secretary replied the Election Act 2017 empowered it to issue such orders.

Justice Nisar further questioned if the ban could be imposed before the dissolution of legislatures on completion of their five-year tenure and whether the order will have adverse effects on smooth working of the affairs of the government.

“This is good that jobs should not be given ahead of elections [for political gains], but there should also be a reason behind such curb,” he said adding that such point had not been explained ever before.

The apex court while adjourning the hearing till tomorrow issued notices to Attorney General and Advocate Generals of the provinces to submit their response in the case.