The Islamabad High Court has banned specifying “only Christians” for sanitation worker positions across Pakistan. Justice Inam Ameen Minhas delivered the ruling. He said advertisements should use the term “citizen” instead. This ensures that no segment of society feels hurt or discriminated against. The court emphasized equality and inclusion for all citizens.
The judge criticized limiting posts to Christians alone. He called it offensive, discriminatory, and against constitutional principles. Justice Minhas stressed that such practices undermine human dignity. He said employment must be open to all qualified citizens. The judgment aims to promote fairness in public hiring.
The court expressed serious concern over rising deaths of Christian sewerage workers. Authorities were directed to take immediate action. Justice Minhas noted that the issue goes beyond labor rights. It touches on constitutional equality, human dignity, and the right to life. Urgent reforms, he said, must be implemented without delay.
Petitions filed in public interest prompted the judgment. The court ordered the government to provide protective gear to all sewerage workers nationwide. Gear includes safety suits, oxygen and gas-monitoring devices, ventilation systems, and first-aid facilities. The move aims to reduce workplace hazards significantly. Authorities were told to act immediately.
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The court warned that failure to provide safety equipment violates the fundamental right to life under Article 9. Justice Minhas stressed that all workers, direct or contract, must be safeguarded. Exposure to toxic gases without protection is unacceptable. He said negligence in this regard is a grave injustice. Safety of life cannot be compromised under any circumstance.
Justice Minhas also highlighted that sewerage workers are not mechanical tools. They face life-threatening environments daily. Exposing them to harm without proper equipment is cruel and unjust. The court called for accountability in government departments managing sanitation services. Proper safety protocols must be strictly enforced.
Finally, the court instructed federal and provincial authorities to implement all reforms immediately. It emphasized continuous monitoring to ensure compliance. Authorities must respect labor rights, human dignity, and constitutional protections. Justice Minhas made it clear that equality and safety are non-negotiable. The ruling marks a significant step toward protecting sanitation workers.