KARACHI:
Following a recent judgement of the Supreme Court, some 16,000 employees in different federal government bodies and autonomous and semi-autonomous organisations are now fearing a job loss. The Supreme Court judgment rejected the (Reinstatement) Ordinance Act, 2010, which was enacted for reinstating employees who were rendered unemployed by the government between November 1, 1996 and October 12, 1999. Employees reinstated under this Act are now likely to be dismissed from their positions. Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court against 72 companies including Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd, Intelligence Bureau, Civil Aviation Authority, etc. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) became the first to lay off employees in line with the top court ruling and ordered the immediate dismissal of at least 2,000 employees.
Unemployment, coupled with the inability to afford basic necessities, will have a severe impact on people’s livelihoods. The dismissal of 2,000 employees endangers the livelihoods of 2,000 families. The Covid-19 pandemic has already shrunk the job market, which further reduces the chances of people finding alternative jobs. The government has already expelled employees in different sectors. Given the increasing inflation and deteriorating economic situation, people are being forced to take drastic measures, like committing suicide. It is imperative that the government create opportunities for employees during these difficult times so that they could cope with the growing economic distress instead of burdening them with unemployment. The government must protect employees and their families by either offering financial compensation or alternative jobs. In addition, employees should appeal to the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision given the harsh economic situation prevailing in the country.
Meher Azeem Hakro
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2021.
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