ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has issued a landmark verdict affirming that government employees who are acquitted with honor are entitled to full pay and benefits.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar authored the eight-page judgment, as per court records. The court emphasized that the period spent off duty due to an honorable acquittal should be counted as part of the employee’s service. It also clarified that departmental disciplinary actions and criminal proceedings are separate processes that can proceed independently without influencing each other.
The verdict further underscored that dismissing a civil servant without providing an opportunity for a hearing contravenes the Constitution. Consequently, the Supreme Court nullified the order of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Service Tribunal and accepted the appeal.
The KP Education Department has been directed to resolve issues related to arrears and other benefits for the reinstated teacher within two months. The case involved a Grade-17 teacher from Bannu who lost his job following a criminal conviction but was later cleared by the high court. The department reinstated him but refused to settle his dues.
In addition, on June 18, the Supreme Court approved a 100% increase in utility allowances for its staff. Chief Justice Yahya Afridi approved the hike, which will be effective from July 1, 2026.
Under the new scheme, staff in Grades 1-6 will receive Rs12,000, up from Rs6,000. Those in Grades 7-10 will see their allowance double from Rs8,000 to Rs16,000. Similarly, Grades 11-15 will get Rs20,000 instead of Rs10,000.
Officers in Grade 16 will now receive Rs24,000, up from Rs12,000. Grade 17 allowances will increase to Rs30,000 from Rs15,000, while Grade 18 allowances will rise to Rs36,000 from Rs18,000. Grade 19 officers will get Rs42,000, up from Rs21,000.
Officers in Grade 20 will receive Rs48,000, compared to Rs24,000 previously, and those in Grade 21 and above will now be entitled to Rs60,000, doubled from Rs30,000.
The utility allowance also covers expenses for gas and electricity bills. The notification states that the additional costs will be funded from the 2026-27 budget.
