The Sindh High Court (SHC) delivered a significant ruling on Monday, instructing the deputy commissioners of Karachi to ensure the recruitment of candidates under the disability quota in government jobs within a strict timeframe of two months. This directive comes amid growing concerns over the prolonged vacancies in positions reserved for persons with disabilities across the city.
The matter was brought before the court following a petition highlighting the failure of various government departments in Karachi to fill these reserved posts. The petitioner’s counsel emphasized that more than 3,000 job vacancies remain unoccupied despite the legal mandate. These vacancies, spread across multiple districts, have left many educated individuals with disabilities without access to government employment opportunities.
Under existing legislation, a five percent quota is reserved specifically for persons with disabilities in public sector jobs. However, the court was informed that this provision has not been effectively implemented, resulting in widespread non-compliance. The lawyer representing the petitioner urged the court to take immediate action to uphold the rights of disabled job seekers and ensure their inclusion in the workforce.
In response, the Sindh High Court issued a firm order requiring all deputy commissioners in Karachi to fill the vacant positions within two months. The court further mandated that every vacancy reserved under the disability quota must be occupied without delay. Following these directives, a two-member constitutional bench of the SHC disposed of the petitions, signaling a decisive step towards enforcing employment rights for persons with disabilities in the region.
