Government Denies Viral Notification on Civil Servant Retirements

Recently, a notification claiming that the government plans to retire civil servants outside the age range of 35 to 50 years has gone viral on social media. This notification, dated September 10, allegedly issued by the Cabinet Division, suggested that only officials within this age bracket would be retained, while those younger than 35 or older than 50 would be dismissed with a severance package. Such claims have raised eyebrows and sparked concern among many civil servants and the general public alike.

However, government officials have swiftly refuted these claims. Kamran Ali Afzal, the cabinet secretary whose name appeared on the supposed notification, labeled it as "fake" when questioned about its authenticity. He emphasized that no such policy is under consideration, putting to rest the fears that had begun to circulate. Attaullah Tarar, the federal minister for information and broadcasting, echoed this sentiment, calling the notification "absolutely fake." This clear denial from high-ranking officials aims to reassure civil servants and the public that their jobs are not at risk due to such unfounded rumors.

Moreover, a thorough investigation revealed that the alleged notification could not be found on the official website of the Cabinet Division. The last legitimate notification issued by the Division was dated September 6, further indicating that the viral document was indeed a fabrication. Additionally, it is important to note that there is no law in Pakistan known as the "Employees Act 1986," as mentioned in the false notification. Instead, there are laws such as the "Ex-employees of the Former Government of East Pakistan (Appointment to Provincial Posts) Act, 1986" and the "Civil Servants Act, 1973," which govern employment in the civil service.

This incident serves as a reminder of the power of misinformation in the digital age. With the rapid spread of information on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp, it is crucial for individuals to verify the authenticity of such claims before sharing them. The government’s prompt response highlights the importance of transparency and communication in maintaining public trust. As citizens, it is our responsibility to seek the truth and not fall prey to sensationalized news that can lead to unnecessary panic.