Major Relief for Employees Ahead of Ramadan as IHC Suspends Allowance Withdrawal Orders

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):**
In a significant relief for employees ahead of Ramadan, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended orders issued by the Accountant General Office and the Ministry of Finance regarding the stoppage of judicial and utility allowances for employees working in special courts and various tribunals.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued a two-page written order, suspending the notifications dated September 5 and September 15, 2025. The court granted temporary relief to the affected employees and issued notices to the federal government and the Ministry of Finance, seeking their replies. Notices were also issued to the Controller General of Accounts and the Accountant General of Pakistan. All parties have been directed to submit their observations within two weeks.

During the hearing, petitioners’ counsel Muhammad Asif Gujjar argued that the sudden suspension of allowances had caused severe financial hardship for employees of special courts and tribunals. He informed the court that employees who challenged the Accountant General Office’s decision continued to receive their allowances, while those who did not approach the court had their judicial and utility allowances discontinued.

The court order also noted that the Multan and Bahawalpur benches of the Lahore High Court had already suspended similar orders issued by the Accountant General Office. The Islamabad High Court has fixed February 9 for regular hearing of the case.