Government of Punjab vs. Qanoot Fatima, 2018 PLC (C.S.) 22 (Pakistan)

Appellant Government of Punjab invited applications for the post of corporals in the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). In terms of the advertisement, both men and women could apply. Accordingly, the respondents applied for the post of corporals. They cleared the tests and interview and came on the merit list. However, they were not appointed as the appellants were of the opinion that female candidates could not be appointed against the open merit seats. Corporals who were appointed were not assigned fieldwork because they were considered vulnerable and weak, hence, they were given office jobs and not fieldwork. The court found that gender stereotyping or classification based on stereotyped roles or social expectations is tantamount to discrimination which is not permissible under the constitution and goes against the constitutional mandate of equality.