The Supreme Court on Wednesday declared that employees of the Cantonment Board do not fall under the category of civil servants, annulling a Federal Service Tribunal’s decision of November 20, 2023.

A written judgment, issued by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, clarified that the Federal Service Tribunal does not have jurisdiction to hear appeals of Cantonment Board employees.

Following the removal of Section 2-A from the Service Tribunals Act, Cantonment employees are no longer able to approach the Federal Service Tribunal for their grievances.

The service matters of Cantonment Board employees are governed under the Pakistan Cantonment Servants Rules of 1954.

Affected employees can instead approach the High Court under Article 199 for departmental matters.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court directed that a fresh inquiry be completed within three months regarding the case of employee Qaiser Mehmood and that he be given a full opportunity to defend himself in the new investigation.

It is important to note that the Cantonment Board Sialkot had dismissed employee Qaiser Mehmood on charges of renting out a government residence and absenteeism.

The Federal Service Tribunal had overturned his dismissal and ordered a fresh investigation.