Court orders no involuntary deductions be made from teachers’ salaries or pensions until the next hearing
The Sindh High Court building. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
A constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court on Thursday ordered a halt to any deductions from the salaries and pensions of teachers, while also restraining the Treasury Department and other concerned authorities from taking further action on the matter.
The bench heard a petition challenging the cessation of the time-scale policy and the recovery of additional benefits from teachers.
Asadullah Baloch, the lawyer representing the petitioners, stated that the applicants include both retired and serving teachers from the Department of Education. The petitioners primarily consist of regular teachers, physical training instructors, and workshop instructors.
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Baloch clarified that the teachers had been promoted and upgraded according to departmental rules during their service. Under the Sindh government’s time-scale policy, salaries were paid in grades 15 to 20.
However, on January 21, the Finance Department issued a letter, which was followed by an implementation directive from the School Education Department. The petitioners argue that the salary cuts and the demand for the return of additional benefits are unlawful, particularly for those who have already retired.
The court ordered that no involuntary deductions be made from teachers’ salaries or pensions until the next hearing. Notices were issued to the Department of Education and other relevant parties, and the hearing was adjourned for three weeks.
