Government okays amendment to Public Service Ordinance

The advisory council on Thursday gave in-principle approval to the “Public Service Ordinance, 2025” amendments, following weeks of protests by Secretariat staff against the original version.

Chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the council’s 32nd meeting granted final approval to the “Public Service (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,” which will now undergo vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The original ordinance, passed on 25 May, allowed disciplinary action against public servants based on just two show-cause notices within two weeks — a move that triggered backlash among Secretariat employees, who argued it offered little opportunity for fair defence.

In response to the protests, the government pledged to reconsider the provisions and assured protesters that their concerns would be addressed through amendments.