ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Establishment Division from issuing a notification for the repatriation of employees serving on deputation to their parent departments and directed the federal government to submit a report and para-wise comments within two weeks.

Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by Khalid Mahmood and others, challenging the proposed repatriation of employees who, according to their counsel, have been serving in the departments concerned for more than 15 years.

The court also directed the petitioners to continue performing their duties in their current positions.

According to the written order, the petitioners were represented by Raja Aleem Khan Abbasi, Zain Shah and Muneeb Tariq.

The counsel argued that the proposed repatriation notification was discriminatory, unjustified and an abuse of authority. They contended that the employees had served in their respective departments for over 15 years and had, as a result, acquired a legal right to permanent status.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2026