In a decisive move toward equitable employment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that married women in government jobs can legally adopt their spouse’s domicile—without compromising their promotion eligibility or placement within provincial quotas.
The judgment was passed in response to a case filed by Dr. Shumaila Naeem, a medical officer who had switched her domicile to her husband’s province, Balochistan. After objections from the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), she took her case to the apex court, which upheld her rights and ordered reconsideration for her promotion.
This verdict sets a vital precedent for gender equity in public service, helping thousands of women serve near their spouses without fear of career disruption. It also sends a clear message: marriage should never come at the cost of professional growth.
