IHC rules against discriminatory hiring of Christian sanitary workers

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News)- The Islamabad High Court has imposed a ban on mentioning ‘only Christians’ for sanitation worker positions.

Justice Inam Ameen Minhas ruled that advertisements for sweeper or sanitary worker posts must not specify “Christian only.” Instead, the term “citizen” should be used so that no segment of society is hurt or discriminated against.

The court emphasized that limiting such posts to Christians alone is offensive, discriminatory, and undermines constitutional principles of equality.

Expressing serious concern over the increasing deaths of Christian sewerage workers, the court issued detailed and strict directions to federal and provincial authorities.

The judge noted that this issue is not only about labor rights but also directly relates to constitutional equality, human dignity, and the right to life. Therefore, urgent reforms are necessary and must be implemented without delay.

In its judgment, issued on petitions filed in public interest, the court ordered the government to immediately provide all sewerage workers across the country with complete protective gear. This includes safety suits, oxygen and gas-monitoring devices, proper ventilation systems, and basic first-aid facilities.

The court warned that the failure to provide safety equipment is a clear violation of the fundamental right to life under Article 9 of the Constitution.

It further stated that the state and its institutions are duty-bound to safeguard the lives of workers, whether they are employed directly or hired on contract.

The court strongly remarked that sewerage workers are not mechanical tools. Exposing them to toxic gases and life-threatening environments without protection is not only negligence but a grave injustice.