KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the reinstatement of a female employee of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), suspending her termination and ruling that a rare congenital heart condition alone cannot justify declaring someone medically unfit for employment.
According to Beyond Time News, the court directed the central bank to immediately restore the employee’s position and facilitate her participation in the required training process.
Employee Challenged Termination in Court
The case was filed by Iman Gulzar, who approached the Sindh High Court after the State Bank of Pakistan terminated her employment following medical examinations.
According to the petition, officials raised concerns after discovering that her heart is positioned on the right side of her chest instead of the left, a rare congenital condition medically known as dextrocardia.
Gulzar’s legal counsel argued that the bank dismissed her solely because of this condition, despite the absence of evidence showing that it affected her ability to perform her duties.
SHC Suspends Termination Order
A constitutional bench comprising Justice Muhammad Saleem Jessar and Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro heard the petition and suspended the termination order.
The court also issued notices to the SBP governor and other relevant officials, seeking their response to the matter.
Furthermore, the bench directed the State Bank of Pakistan to immediately send the petitioner for training, allowing her employment process to continue while the case remains under review.
Court Highlights Importance of Fair Medical Assessment
During the proceedings, the court emphasized that authorities must not disqualify individuals solely on medical grounds without proper justification.
The judges observed that dextrocardia is a congenital condition in which the heart develops on the right side of the chest. They noted that many individuals with the condition can live normal and healthy lives.
“The placement of the human heart on the right side is a congenital condition and can be entirely normal,” the court observed.
The bench further indicated that medical conditions should be assessed based on their actual impact on an individual’s ability to perform job responsibilities rather than on their existence alone.
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Understanding Dextrocardia
Dextrocardia is a rare congenital condition that occurs when the heart points toward the right side of the chest instead of the left.
In many cases, individuals with dextrocardia experience no symptoms and lead healthy lives without limitations. Medical experts often evaluate such conditions on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they affect a person’s daily activities or professional responsibilities.
The condition itself does not automatically indicate disability or reduced capability.
Case Adjourned Until August 2026
After issuing its interim order, the Sindh High Court adjourned further proceedings until August 2026.
The court will continue hearing arguments from both sides before delivering a final decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, the ruling has drawn attention to broader discussions about workplace inclusion, medical evaluations, and equal employment opportunities for individuals with rare medical conditions.
Significance of the Ruling
Legal experts believe the decision reinforces the principle that employers must rely on objective assessments when evaluating a candidate’s fitness for employment.
The case also highlights the importance of ensuring that medical conditions do not become grounds for discrimination when they do not affect a person’s ability to perform professional duties.
Observers say the outcome may contribute to future discussions regarding employment rights and fair treatment in recruitment and workplace policies.
FAQs
Who is the employee involved in the case?
The petitioner is Iman Gulzar, a former employee of the State Bank of Pakistan who challenged her termination in court.
What is dextrocardia?
Dextrocardia is a rare congenital condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the chest instead of the left.
What did the Sindh High Court order?
The court suspended the termination order, directed the SBP to reinstate the employee, and instructed the bank to send her for training.
Why did the court intervene?
The court observed that a person cannot be declared medically unfit solely because of a congenital condition without proper justification.
When will the case be heard again?
The Sindh High Court has adjourned further proceedings until August 2026.
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