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Supreme Court Orders Review of Denied Police Officer's Promotion
Supreme Court voids Sindh High Court decision, orders review of a police officer's denied promotion. SC says eligible officers must be considered—even after retirement.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-16
Supreme Court Orders Review of Denied Police Officer's Promotion

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the High Powered Selection Board to reconsider a senior police officer’s promotion case on merit within two months, after he was repeatedly denied promotion despite excellent service records.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar authored the five-page verdict, stating that the petitioner—a senior officer in the police service—was unfairly deprived of promotion on three occasions between 2013 and 2018, despite consistently outstanding performance evaluations.

The apex court annulled the previous judgment issued by the Sindh High Court, calling it unjust and lacking in merit. The verdict clarified that the officer’s 2019 performance report was not submitted due to a lack of field postings, and there was no legitimate justification to deny his promotion.

“It is the fundamental right of every government employee to be considered for promotion based on performance,” the court declared, adding that promotions can still be granted post-retirement if eligibility criteria are met.

The Supreme Court also raised serious concerns over the conduct of the High Powered Selection Board. It noted that the board had included negative remarks in its meeting minutes without presenting evidence, and no allegations impacting the officer’s reputation were substantiated.

The court further directed all government departments to ensure that promotion decisions are made transparently and in a timely manner. “Justice delayed, especially in the case of retired officers, is an injustice in itself,” the judgment warned.

Legal experts have lauded the decision as a precedent-setting move that reinforces meritocracy and protects the rights of civil servants.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s increasing focus on procedural fairness and accountability in civil service promotions—areas long plagued by bureaucratic opacity and favoritism.
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SupremeCourt

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