Provision:
Safeguard Against Discrimination in Services
No citizen otherwise qualified for appointment in the service of Pakistan shall be discriminated against in respect of any such appointment on the ground only of race, religion, caste, sex, residence, or place of birth.
However, for a period not exceeding twenty years from the commencing day, certain posts may be reserved for persons belonging to any class or area to ensure adequate representation.
Meaning:
Article 27 protects citizens from discrimination in public employment. It ensures that appointments to government jobs are made fairly and that all qualified individuals have equal access regardless of their background.
At the same time, the Constitution recognises historical inequalities and allows for temporary affirmative action—reserving certain posts to ensure underrepresented areas or groups have fair representation in public service.
Application:
When government jobs are advertised, all eligible citizens must be given a fair chance to apply. If a person is denied a job solely because of their religion, gender, or region, it would violate Article 27.
However, if certain posts are reserved for candidates from underdeveloped regions like Balochistan or Gilgit-Baltistan, such reservations are permissible under this Article—provided they aim to correct imbalances and do not extend beyond the period or purpose allowed by law.