The Supreme Court ruling has clarified that a daughter’s marriage does not end her eligibility for employment under the civil servants’ children quota. The landmark judgment emphasized that denying daughters this right after marriage is discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of equality.
The case involved a woman who was denied a job under the quota after the authorities argued that her marriage disqualified her from receiving employment benefits reserved for children of government employees. The petitioner challenged the decision, stating that the rule was unfair, biased, and based on outdated assumptions regarding the role of women in society.
The Supreme Court, while restoring the petitioner’s job and full employment benefits, stated that the civil servants’ children quota exists to recognize the service of government employees and to support their families not to reinforce social stereotypes. The court highlighted that while married sons remain eligible, married daughters were being excluded without any legal justification. This, the court noted, amounts to gender-based discrimination, which holds no place in state policy.
During the Supreme Court ruling, the judges observed that the Constitution ensures equal rights to men and women in professional opportunities. The judgment further stated that a woman’s identity, independence, and rights do not dissolve after marriage, and policies suggesting otherwise contradict modern principles of social justice and equality.
Legal experts say the decision could have a wider impact, prompting government departments across Pakistan to review employment policies that affect women, especially those linked to marital status. Advocates for women’s rights have welcomed the verdict, calling it a progressive step toward ensuring equal workplace access and reducing systemic biases.
The ruling also aligns with broader discussions on education and opportunity for women in Pakistan. Recently, attention has been drawn toward academic achievements and increased participation of women in professional fields. For instance, over 80 Pakistani students were recently recognized among top global achievers in the Cambridge exams a moment that highlighted expanding talent across the country, including for young women.
Analysts believe the Supreme Court’s decision may encourage more women to pursue careers confidently, knowing their marital status cannot be used to deny them opportunities. The ruling also signals to administrative bodies that discriminatory practices will not be tolerated and must be corrected where they exist.
The verdict is being described as a strong step toward gender equality within public employment systems, reinforcing the principle that all citizens regardless of gender or marital status have an equal right to work and career growth.
