Supreme Court Rules That Marriage Does Not Affect a Daughter’s Right to Job Succession
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that a daughter is eligible to succeed her father’s government job, rejecting the argument that marriage impacts a woman’s right to employment.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, heard the case of petitioner Zahida Parveen, who was dismissed from her position following her father’s death.
Court Rejects KP Government’s Argument
During the hearing, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) advocate general argued that the petitioner was ineligible for the job because she was married. However, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah strongly disagreed, questioning, “In which law is it written that if a daughter gets married, she is not eligible for a job after the death of her father?”
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He further stated that a son can succeed his father in a government job even after marriage, so the same principle should apply to a daughter. Emphasizing gender equality and economic independence, he ruled that marriage has no bearing on a woman’s right to employment.
SC Declares Zahida Parveen Eligible for the Job
The court dismissed the KP government’s argument and ruled in favor of Zahida Parveen, declaring her eligible for the position. The case was disposed of after accepting her petition.
The KP government’s lawyer contended that Zahida Parveen had been removed under a notification issued under the KP Civil Service Act. However, Justice Shah criticized the move, questioning, “How did you first appoint her and then dismiss her? Will a section officer interpret the law on his own?”
Court to Issue a Detailed Ruling on Women’s Economic Rights
During the hearing, the KP advocate general referenced former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa’s ruling, arguing that government jobs should not be given to children on a preferential basis. However, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah clarified that the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision does not apply retroactively, meaning it does not affect past cases, including this one.
He further announced that the court will issue a detailed ruling addressing women’s economic independence and its connection to job succession laws in Pakistan.
