Punjab Government Suffers Setback as LHC Rejects Appeal on Counting Contract Service for Pension
Lahore High Court Dismissal
Mian Nadeem reported on September 15, 2026 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News) that the Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed the Punjab government's intra-court appeal regarding a significant pension case. The court ruled against the government's attempt to challenge a previous decision concerning the counting of former contract service toward government employees' pensions upon regularization.
Key Ruling
A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Muzammil Akhtar Shabbir and Justice Syed Ahsan Raza Kazmi, delivered the judgment after hearing arguments from all parties involved. The court ruled that:
- Continuous temporary or contract service before an employee's regularization does not deprive them of pension rights.
- Such prior service is countable for pension purposes, even if initially rendered on a contract basis.
- Any condition in government policies or appointment letters attempting to eliminate legal pension rights cannot extinguish those rights.
- Referring to the Supreme Court's precedent, the bench emphasized that contract employment falls under temporary service categories, ensuring pension eligibility.
Background of the Case
The case pertained to a deceased Health Department employee's widow, who sought pension and gratuity benefits. The District Accounts Office Khanewal objected to her claim due to insufficient service years (less than 10). This led to legal proceedings, culminating in the LHC's decisive judgment.