LHC Directs Punjab Govt to Enforce 3% Job Quota for Disabled Persons

LHC Directs Punjab Govt to Enforce 3% Job Quota for Disabled Persons
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The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the Punjab government to strictly implement a 3% employment quota for persons with disabilities in public sector jobs, citing constitutional and statutory obligations, Dawn E-Paper reported. Justice Malik Awais Khalid issued the ruling on a petition filed by Muhammad Faheem, a disabled candidate, who challenged the Bahawalpur District Education Authority’s failure to reserve posts as mandated under the Punjab Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2022.

The court noted that the education department had not advertised reserved positions since 2022, violating Article 9 (right to livelihood) of the Constitution and Pakistan’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Justice Khalid emphasized that quota seats cannot be diverted to the general category, calling the delay “unreasonable and unjust.”

The judgment directs immediate advertisement of reserved posts and holds departmental heads accountable for compliance. A progress report must be submitted to the LHC. The ruling reaffirms employment as critical to empowering disabled individuals and ensuring their societal inclusion.