The government has rolled out the Government Employees (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, introducing strict provisions for dismissal over four specific offenses, sparking concern among secretariat officials and employees.

Issued by the President on Sunday evening, the ordinance follows its approval by the Advisory Council on Thursday, despite ongoing protests from government workers.

The ordinance outlines four offenses that constitute misconduct: inciting disobedience or disrupting discipline among employees; being absent or neglecting duties without leave or valid reason, whether individually or collectively; encouraging others to skip work or shirk responsibilities; and obstructing colleagues from performing their duties.

Offenders face penalties ranging from demotion to a lower rank or pay grade to outright removal or dismissal from service.

The ordinance’s approval by the council of advisers last Thursday triggered immediate protests from secretariat officials and employees, who fear the new rules could threaten job security or be applied unfairly.

Despite the unrest, the government moved swiftly to formalise the ordinance, signalling a firm stance on enforcing discipline within its ranks.