Peshawar High Court suspends order related to the withdrawal of free electricity benefits for government employees in Grade 17 and above, providing temporary relief to affected workers until further hearings take place.
The court issued an interim order after hearing a petition filed by employees challenging the government’s decision to discontinue the long-standing electricity facility.
⚖️ High Court Suspends Government Notification
According to court documents, the Peshawar High Court suspended government notifications that sought to end the free electricity benefit for employees in Grade 17 and above.
The interim order halts the implementation of notifications issued on December 5, 2023, and May 6, 2026.
The court’s decision will remain in effect until the next hearing of the case.
🏛️ Petition Filed by TESCO Employees
The case was filed by employees of the Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company who challenged the withdrawal of the electricity facility.
The petition argued that the benefit was part of employees’ service conditions and could not be removed through a unilateral administrative decision.
The petitioners requested judicial intervention to protect what they described as an established employment right.
📜 Employees Call Benefit Part of Service Agreement
Counsel representing the petitioners argued before the court that free electricity forms part of the employees’ service agreement and employment package.
According to the legal arguments presented, the withdrawal of the benefit allegedly violates constitutional protections and established employment rights.
The petition further claimed that employees had accepted service conditions based on the existence of such benefits.
⚡ Government Decision Challenged
The petition stated that the decision to withdraw the facility was initially made during the caretaker government period.
According to the petitioners, such a policy decision adversely affected employee rights and should be reviewed through proper legal channels.
The case also questioned whether the relevant authorities had the legal power to remove the benefit without following due process.
🏢 TESCO’s Status Highlighted in Court
The petitioners argued that TESCO operates as an independent corporate entity and that the government notification may not fully align with the company’s internal procedures.
Legal representatives maintained that employment-related benefits should be handled according to applicable corporate and contractual frameworks.
The court considered these arguments while issuing its interim relief.
📅 Next Hearing Scheduled
The Peshawar High Court adjourned the matter until June 18, 2026.
Until the next hearing, the government’s notifications regarding the withdrawal of free electricity benefits will remain suspended.
The court is expected to hear additional legal arguments from both sides before reaching a final decision.
👥 Employees Receive Temporary Relief
The interim order provides temporary relief to affected employees who would otherwise have lost access to the electricity benefit.
Legal experts note that the final outcome will depend on the court’s interpretation of employment rights, service agreements, and the government’s authority to alter such benefits.
Observers believe the case could have wider implications for similar employment-related benefits across public-sector organizations.