Government decision to end free electricity for employees suspended

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has suspended the government notification to end the free electricity facility for government employees of grade 17 and above, preventing the federal government from implementing it.

The Peshawar High Court issued a written order of the previous hearing on a petition filed by the employees of the Tribal Area Electric Supply Company (TESCO). In its decision, the court ordered the immediate suspension of the implementation of the federal government’s notifications dated December 5, 2023 and May 6, 2026 and issued notices to all parties.

The petitioners’ lawyer took the position in the court that the provision of free electricity to employees is part of their basic employment contract and the government cannot unilaterally end this facility without any legal justification.

He said that this move contradicts the fundamental rights given in Articles 4, 18, 24 and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

The court was further told that the free electricity facility for employees of grade 17 and above was abolished during the tenure of the previous caretaker government, although the caretaker government did not have the authority to take policy decisions that would affect the rights of employees.

According to the petitioner, Tesco is an autonomous corporate body and the government’s notification is not even in line with the rules and regulations of the body.

The Peshawar High Court adjourned the further hearing of the case till June 18. After the court’s decision, there has been a wave of joy among the employees while legal experts are calling it a significant development regarding the rights of government employees.