Supreme Court Of Pakistan Rules On Suspended Employee Salaries

On February 23, 2026, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued a landmark ruling affirming that suspended civil servants are entitled to full salary and benefits during their suspension period. The court, led by Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan and Justice Shakeel Ahmad, clarified that suspension is merely an interim measure and does not sever the employer-employee relationship. The ruling stated, "Consequently, the civil servant continues to hold the post, albeit without performing duties. All rights, including entitlement to full salary, remain enforceable during the suspension period." This decision stems from a case involving a senior clerk at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), who was wrongfully treated as on leave without pay during his suspension, despite having served over 31 years and being declared unfit for service by a medical board. The court emphasized that withholding salary without legal authority is unjust and violates the terms of service, citing Fundamental Rule 53(b) and Islamic principles regarding lawful earnings and justice.