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THE ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL (REGISTRATION) ORDINANCE, 
1948 
 
 
 
CONTENTS 
. 
1.  Short title, extent and commencement 
2.  Definitions 
3.  Liability to register at Employment Exchanges 
4.  Place of registration 
5.  Registration certificate 
6.  Penalties and procedure 
7.  Powers to amend Schedule 
 
SCHEDULE I 
 
SCHEDULE II 
 
SCHEDULE III 
 
SCHEDULE IV 
 
SCHEDULE V 
 
SCHEDULE VI 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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THE ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL (REGISTRATION) ORDINANCE, 1948 
1Ordinance No. X of 1948 
[17th February, 1948] 
An Ordinance to provide for the compulsory registration of Essential Personnel at Employment 
Exchanges. 
 WHEREAS an emergency has arisen which renders it necessary to take p ower to require 
essential personnel to register at Employment Exchanges set up by the Government of Pakistan ; 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 42 of the Government of 
India Act 1935, as adapted by the Pakistan (Provisional  Constitution) Order, 1947, the 
Governor‑General is pleased to make and promulgate the following Ordinance:___ 
 1. Short title, extent and commencement.___(1) This Ordinance may be  called the Essential 
Personnel (Registration) Ordinance, 1948. 
 (2) It extends to the whole of 2[* * *] Pakistan. 
 (3) It shall come into force at once. 
 2. Definitions. In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, 
(a)  “essential personnel” includes all persons normally 3[exercising or following 
any of the professions, occupations or employments] specified in Schedule 1 
2[and persons trained or qualified to exercise or follow any such profession or 
employment.] 
2[(b)  “Employment Exchanges” means an Employment Exchange set up by the 
4[Provincial Government]. 
(c)  “Manager of an Employment Exchange” means the Officer‑ in Charge of an 
Employment Exchange and so appointed by the Government. 
3[(d)  “Schedule” means a Schedule to this Ordinance.] 
 
1The Ordinance has been applied to Baluchistan, see Gaz. of P., 1952, Pt. I, p. 146; and extended to the Leased Areas of Baluchistan, by the Leased Areas 
(Laws) Order, 1950 (G.G.O. 3 of 1950). 
It has been applied also in the Federated Areas of Baluchistan, see Gaz. of P., 1953, Pt. I, p. 152. 
It has also been extended to ___ 
(i) the Baluchistan States Union, by the Baluchistan States Union (Federal Laws) (Extension) Order, 1953 (G.G.O. 5 of 1953); and 
(ii) the Khairpur State, see the Khairpur (Federal Laws) (Extension) Order, 1953 (G.G.O. 5 of 1953); and 
(iii) the State of Bahawalpur by the Bahawalpur (Extension of Federal Laws), Order, 1953 (G.G.O. 11 of 1953). 
Also applied to PATA (Baluchistan + NWFP) by Reg. I of 1972, Art. 2 + sch. 
This Ordinance has been amended in its application to the Province of West Pakistan by West Pakistan Ordinance No. 5 of 1965 (with effect from the 1st 
April, 1965). 
The Ordinance has been and shall be deemed to have been brought into force in Gwad ur, with effect from the 8th September, 1958, by the Gwadur 
(Application of Central Laws) Ordinance, 1960 (XXXVII of 1960), s. 2. 
2Omitted, added and subs.  by Ordinance No. XXXIII of 1960, ss. 2 and 3. 
3Subs, and added by Act No. XXVIII of 1948, s. 2. 
 4Subs. by Central Adaptation Order of Laws 1964 (President’s Order No. 1 of 1964). 
 
 
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 1[3. Liability to register at employment exchanges.___(1) All essential personnel over the age 
of 18 and under the age of 60 years, residing in Pakistan, and not being employees of the 2[Federal] or 
any Provincial Government, shall be liable to register themselves at an Employment Exchange. 
 (2) Every person in charge of any institution which trains such essential personnel as aforesaid, 
or from where such personnel qualify, shall furnish to the Manager of the Emp loyment Exchange 
concerned such information as he may from time to time require. 
 (3) All employers other than the 2[Federal Government] and Provincial Governments shall be 
liable to get all persons to whom this Ordinance applies and who are employed by them registe red at 
an Employment Exchange, if such persons are not already so registered. 
 (4) Every person registered under this Ordinance shall notify any change of address, acquisition 
of new skills and change in employment status , at once to the Employment Exchange where he is 
registered.] 
 4. Place of Registration.___(1) All persons included within the definition of essential personnel 
shall register themselves at one of the Employment Exchanges detailed in Schedule III. 
 (2) In cases where it is not feasible for the essential personnel to c all in person at the 
Employment Exchange to get registered they may subm it by registered (acknowledgment due) post 
their particulars for registration on the form prescribed in Schedule II, to___ 
(a)  the Manager, Employment Exchange within whose area they reside ; or 
(b)  the District Magistrate of the district in which they reside. 
 5. Registration Certificate .___(1) The Employment Exchange to which application is made 
shall issue within 10 day s of the receipt of the applica tion a registration certificate in the form 
prescribed in Schedule IV. 
 (2) When the application is ma de personally the Employment Ex change t o which the 
application is made shall forthwith give to the applicant a memorandum as given in Schedule  V 
acknowledging receipt of the application and specifying the time and date when the applicant s hould 
present himself to receive the registration certificate. 
 (3) When the application is received by post the registration certificate sh all be issued within 
10 days by registered (acknowledgment due) post to the applicant. 
 (4) When the application is submitted to the District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner, he shall 
then issue to the applicant by registered (acknowledgment due) post a memorandum as specified in 
Schedule V I acknowledging receipt of the application and shall forward the applica tion to th e 
Employment Exchange whose area covers the district concerned. On receipt of the application from 
the District Magistrate the Exchange shall register the applicant and issue a registration certificate  in 
respect of the applicant in accordance with section 5 (1) above and forward the registration certificate 
to the District Magistrate who will then issue it to the applicant concerned. 
 
 
1Subs. by Ordinance No. XXXIII of 1960, s. 4. 
2Subs. by Federal Adaptation of Laws Order 1975 (President’s Order No. 4 of 1975), Art. 2 and Table. 
 
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 6. Penalties and Procedure.___ 1[(1) Any person who, being within the age limits mentioned 
in 2[sub‑section (1) of section 3] and normally exercis ing or following any profe ssion, occupation or 
employment which is, in pursuance of the provisions of section 7, may be specified in Schedule I, fails 
without sufficient cause to apply for registration within two months of that profession, oc cupation or 
employment being so specified 2[and any person who otherwise contravenes the provision of secti on 
3], shall be punishable with fine not exceeding five hundred rupees. 
 2[Explanation.___ The provisions of this sub‑section shall apply___ 
(a)  to any person normally exercising or following any profe ssion, occupation or 
employment specified in Schedule I who___ 
(i)  enters Pakistan with the intention of permanent residence therein and is 
within the age‑limits mentioned in sub‑section (1) of section 3, or 
  (ii)  attains the age of eighteen years, or 
(b)  to any person who, with the intention of exercising or following such profession, 
occupation or employment, becomes qualified so to do and is within the said 
age‑limits, as if for the date of specification the date of entry or atta inment of 
that age or qualification, as the case may be, were substituted.] 
 1[(3)] No Court shall take cognizance of the offence except on complaint lodged by or made on 
the authority of the 2[Regional Head of Employment Exchanges] of the Region in  whose jurisdiction 
the offence is alleged to have been committed. 
 3[7. Powers to amend Schedules. The 4[appropriate Government] may, by notification in the 
official Gazette, amend or alter any Schedule.] 
 5[Explanation.___ ‘Appropriate Government’ in relation to Schedules I and II means the Federal 
Government and the Provincial Government and, in relation to other Schedules, the Provincial 
Government]. 
 
 
 
 
 
1Subs. and re-numbered by Act No. XXVIII of 1948, s. 3. 
2Subs. by Ordinance No. XXXIII of 1960, s. 5. 
3Subs. by Ordinance, No. XVII of 1949, s. 2. 
4Subs. by Central Adaptation Order of Laws 1964 (President’s Order No. 1 of 1964). 
5Subs. by Federal Adaptation of Laws Order 1975 (President’s Order No. 4 of 1975), Art. 2 and Sch. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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SCHEDULE I 
 
Schedule of Essential Personnel 
1.  Engineer (Civil). 
2.  Engineer (Electrical). 
3.  Engineer (Mechanical). 
4.  Engineer (Aeronautical). 
5.  Engineer (Wireless). 
6.  Engineer (Sound). 
7.  Engineer (Marine). 
7A.  1[* * *] 
8.  Chemist. 
9.  Metallurgist. 
10.  Geologist. 
11.  Mineralogist. 
12.  Meteorologist. 
13.  Workshop Foreman. 
14.  Surgeon. 
15.  Physician. 
16.  Radiologist. 
17.  Pathologist. 
18.  Bacteriologist. 
19.  Dentist. 
20.  Public Health Officer. 
20A. 1[* * *] 
20B. 1[* * *] 
20C. 1[* * *] 
20D.  1[* * *] 
21.  Nurse. 
21A  1[* * *] 
 
 
1Omitted by S.R.O No. 980 (I)/72, dated 20th Dec. 1972, see Gaz. of P., 1972 Ext. Pt. II, dated 25th Oct. 1972, p. 1000. 
 
 
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22.  Veterinary Surgeon. 
1[23.  Armourer. 
24.  Blacksmith. 
25.  Springsmith. 
26.  Heavy forge smith. 
27.  Drop stamper. 
28.  Boiler maker. 
29.  Boiler plater. 
30.  Riveter. 
30A  2[* * *] 
31.  Bronzer. 
32.  Lacquerer. 
33.  Draughtsman (mechanical). 
24.  Die sinker. 
35.  Engine driver (steam). 
36.  Engine driver (internal combustion engines). 
37.  Fitter (heavy industrial machines). 
38.  Fitter (gauge and tool). 
39.  Instrument mechanic. 
40.  Machinist. 
41.  Mouldor. 
42.  Pattern maker. 
43.  Refrigerator mechanic. 
44.  Template maker. 
45.  Tool maker. 
 
1For addition of entries 23 of 80, see Gaz. of P., 1949, Pt. I, p. 58. 
2Omitted by S.R.O., 980 (I)/72, dated 20th Oct., 1972 Ext. Pt. II dated 25th Oct., 1972, p. 1000. Engineering (Civil) 
 
 
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46.  Welder (oxy‑acetylene). 
47.  Welder (electrical). 
48.  Aircraft mechanic. 
49.  Aircraft fitter. 
50.  Precision grinder (optical). 
Engineering (Power House) 
51.  Cable Joiner. 
52.  Electrician. 
53.  Linesman (overhead). 
54.  Main superintendent. 
55.  Meter reader. 
56.  Sub‑station attendant. 
57.  Switchboard operator. 
58.  Wireman. 
Engineering (Electrical) 
59.  Armature winder. 
60.  Electroplater. 
61.  Fitter. 
Engineering (Civil) 
62.  Draughtsman (architectural). 
63.  Surveyor. 
64.  Spray painter. 
65.  Plumber. 
Miscellaneous 
66.  Cabinet maker. 
67.  Saddler. 
68.  Harness maker. 
 
 
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68A.  1[* * *] 
69.  Stenographer (having a speed of 80 words and above). 
70.  Lithographer. 
71.  Lithoprinter. 
72.  Boat builder. 
73.  Shipwright. 
74.  Telecommunication mechanic. 
75.  Crystal cutter (Telecommunications). 
76.  Coach builder (Railway). 
77.  Dipper checker (Petroleum storage and supply). 
78  Fitter (Petroleum storage and supply). 
79.  Wireless operator. 
80.  Aircraft Pilot.] 
2[81.  Tailors (Machine and hand). 
82.  Fire Engine Drivers. 
83.  Fire leaders. 
84.  Firemen. 
85.  Vehicle Mechanic.] 
85A. 1[* * *] 
85B. 1[* * *] 
85C. 1[* * *] 
85D. 1[* * *] 
85E. 1[* * *] 
1[86.  Radio Mechanic. 
87.  Foreman excavating machinery. 
88.  Draftsman topographical. 
89.  General outdoor mechanic operator. 
90.  Driver mobile crane. 
91.  Heavy motor or lorry driver. 
1Omitted and added by S.R.O. No. 980 (I)/72, dated 20th Oct., 1972, see Gaz. of P., 1972, Ext. Pt. II, p. 1000. 
2Added by S. R. O. No. E. E. (A) 81 (I) see Gaz. of P., 1954, Pt. I, p. 334. 
 
 
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92  Mechanic (IC). 
93.  Ordnance artificer. 
94.  Operator excavating machinery. 
95.  Operator tele-printer. 
96.  Tin and copper-smith. 
97  Anesthetist. 
98.  X‑ray Technician. 
99.  Laboratory Technician. 
100.  Dispenser. 
101.  Radiographer. 
102.  Physiotherapist. 
103.  Operation Theatre-Attendant. 
104.  Turner. 
105.  Grinder (General Machine). 
106.  Barber. 
107  Dhobi. 
108.  ENT Specialist. 
109.  Opthalmologist. 
110.  Dermatologist. 
111.  Engineer (Electronics). 
112.  Mental Nursing Assistant. 
113.  Boiler Attendant. 
114.  Equipment & Boot Repairer. 
115.  Cook. 
116.  Operator Laundry Plant. 
117.  Storekeeper. 
118.  Sweeper. 
 
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119.  Watchmaker.] 
1[120.  Dressers. Veterinary. 
121.  Vulcanizer. 
122.  upholsterer. 
123.  Life Saving Equipment Worker. 
124.  Medical Assistant (Hygienist). 
125.  Radar Fitter. 
126.  General Duty Medical Officer.]. 
 2[Ep                   Category 
Number 
127.  Foreman (Electrical). 
128.  Draughtsman Civil Engineering. 
129.  M.T. Fitter (Motor Veh Mech.). 
130.  Electrician (Auto). 
131.  Psychiatrist (Psychologist)]. 
 
_______________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1Added by Manpower Division’s Notification No. F. 4(1)/80 MP., dated 26th Feb. 1981, see Gaz. of P., I, p. 215. 
2Added by Notification No. F. 2 (4)/ 79 MP I vol. V, dated 21992, See Gaz, of Pak., Ext. Pt III, dt. 141192, p. 219. 
 
 
 
 
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1[SCHEDULE II 
 
Registration Form for Essential Personnel 
 
Industry code No Name of Exchange category and occupational code No. S. No. Year 
1 2 3 4 5 
 
ENTRIES ABOVE THIS LINE TO BE FILLED BY THE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE. 
1.  Name in full (Block letters)…………………………………  
2.  Father's Name ………………………………………………  
3.  Home address………………………………………………  
4.  Present address ……………………………………………  
5.  Date (if available), year of birth……………………………  
6.  Profession……………………………………………………  
7.  Actual occupation……………………………………………  
8.  Religion ………………………………………………………  
9.  Employed/Un-employed/self-employed …………………  
10.  Educational qualifications (Enclose attested copies of certificates, available):  
(a) General  
 
(b) Technical.  
 
11.  Languages :    Read   Speak   Write  
2.  Apprenticeship.  
 Name of Factory   Shop in which trained From To  
13.  Research papers published.  
14.  Special/Additional qualifications or Courses.  
15.  Occupational record: __  
 Name and address of      Post        Date of         Date of           Date  
 Factory/Institutions/ employers          joining          leaving           Leave  
 
 The information recorded above is correct to the best of my knowledge.  
Date  19.           Signature  
 Note:___ A separate sheet may be attached if the space provided for items 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 
15 is not sufficient.  
Signature...............  
(Manager)  
1Subs. by S.R.O. 1395 (K)/60, dated the 13th Oct., 1960, see Gaz. of P., 1960, P.I, p. 499. 
 
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SCHEDULE III 
List of Employment Exchangers together with their addresses and area served by them 
S. No. Employment Exchanges  Address Area served 
1 
Regional Employment 
Exchanges, Karachi. 
Valika Mahal, Jehangir 
Sehtna Road, Karachi. 
Whole of the Federal 
Territory of Karachi 
suburbs excluding 
areas served by 
Employment 
Exchange Industrial 
Trading Estate, 
Karachi. 
2 Employment Exchange, 
Industrial Trading Estate, 
Karachi. 
Industrial Trading Estate, 
Manghopir Road, Karachi 
In the south it will be 
bound by Harris Road, 
Starting from Karachi 
Health Association 
Building going 
eastward meet 
Embankment Road, 
Lea Market Quarters, 
Harichand Rai Road 
up to the Crossing of 
Harichang Rai Road 
and Sobhraj Chetumal 
Road from thence the 
boundary line will go 
along the north of 
River Lyari up to the 
Municipal boundary. 
On the east the 
boundary will statrt 
from the Kyc. Health 
Association Building 
and will go along the 
north nulla up to the 
sea beach. In the north 
it will go right up to 
the sea beach. 
3 Employment Exchange 
Hyderabad.  
41/526, Miani Rd. near 
Ritz Hotel, Hyderabad 
Contonment. 
Hyderabad and 
Khairpur Divison. 
4 Employment Exchange, Quetta. Barrack No. 2021 Police 
Line, Jail Road, Quetta. 
Quetta and Kalat 
Division. 
 
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5 Employment Exchange, Multan. Sindhu Hessam Road, near 
Chowk Nawan Shaher, 
Multan. 
Bahawalpur Division 
and the District of 
Multan. 
6 Employment Exchange, 
1[Sahiwal]. 
Station Road, Opposite 
General Post Office, 
1[Sahiwal]. 
District of 1[Sahiwal]. 
7 Regional Employment 
Exchange, Lahore. 
34, Lawarence Road, 
Lahore 
Districts of Lahore, 
Sheikhupura. 
8 Employment Exchange, Sialkot. Sufaid Kothi, Paris Road, 
Sialkot. 
District of Sialkot. 
9 Employment Exchange, 
1[Faisalabad]. 
District Board Sarai, 
1[Faisalabad]. 
Districts of 
1[Faisalabad and Jhang 
10 Employment Exchange, 
Gujranwala. 
Road No. 35, Satellite 
Town, Gujranwala 
District of Gujranwala. 
11 Employment Exchange, 
Sargodha. 
8A, New Civil Line, 
Haripur Road, Sargodha. 
Districts of Sargodha 
and Mianwali. 
12 Employment Exchange, Jhelum. Lodhi Building, 
Tallianwala, Road Jhelum. 
Districts of Jhelum 
and Gujrat 
13 Regional Employment 
Exchange, Rawalpindi. 
145, Murree Road, 
Rawalpindi. 
Districts of 
Rawalpindi and 
Campbellpur. 
14 Employment Exchange, 
Peshawar. 
4, The Mall, Peshawar. Districts of Peshawar, 
Mardan and Hazara 
and the adjoining 
special Areas. 
15 Employment Exchange, Kohat. 1, Hangu Road, Kohat. Districts of Kohat, 
Bannu and D.I. Khan 
and the adjoining 
Special Areas 
16 2[ * * *]   
17 2[ * * *]   
18 2[ * * *]   
19 2[ * * *]   
20 2[ * * *]   
 
SCHEDULE IV 
2[Government of …………………………………………………………………………  
(Name of the Province)  
Department of …………………………………………………………………………... 
(Name of the department concerned)  
Directorate of ………………………………………………………………………....... 
(Name of directorate concerned)] 
 
 
 
 
1Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance No. XXVII of 1981, s. 2 and II Sch.  
2Omitted and subs. by Federal Adaptation of Laws Order 1975 (President’s Order No. 4 of 1975), Art. 2 and Sch.  
 
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Employment Exchange 
 
ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE 
[Vide Section 5 (1) of Ordinance No. X of 1948] 
 It is hereby certified that Mr………………………………………………….. son of                  
Mr. ……………………………….residing at……………………………….. was registered at this 
Employment Exchange on…………………. 1[in the category of essential personnel] and that his 
registration number is………………............................. Employment Exchange, 
Signature…………………………. ………………………. (Manager) Dated ……………. 194 . 
 
SCHEDULE V 
2[Government of ………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of the Province 
Department of……………………………………………………. 
(Name of the Department concerned) 
Directorate of …………………………………… 
(Name of the Directorate concerned)] 
No…………………………………………….…. Employment Exchange, ……………………… 
Dated ……………… 194 
MEMORANDUM 
 [Vide section 5 (2) of Ordinance No. X of 1948] 
 The receipt of your application dated………………………for registration at this office 3[in the 
category of essential personnel] in accordance with section 4(1) of Ordinance, No. X of 1948, is hereby 
acknowledged. 
 2. You are requested to call at this office on ………… at ………. For receiving your 
registration certificate. You should bring this memorandum with you. 
Signature………….  
(Manager) 
 
To Mr………….  
………………  
………………. 
 
1Subs. by the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Labour Notification. No. EE (A) 81 (1), dated the 27th December, 1954, see Gaz. of p., 1954, pt. I, P. 
335. 
2Amended by Federal Adaptation of Laws Order 1975 (President’s Order No. 4 of 1975), Art. 2 and Sch.  
3Subs. by the Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Labour Notification. No. EE (A)81 (1), dated the 27th Dec., 1954, see Gaz. of P., 1954, Pt. I, p. 335. 
 
 
 
 
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SCHEDULE VI 
 Reference No. ……………… ……………………………………..Office of the District  
Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner.…. Dated………. 194. 
MEMORANDUM 
[Vide section 5(4) of Ordinance No. X of 1948] 
 The receipt of your application dated …………… for registration at an Employment Exchange 
as an essential person nel in accordance with section 4(1) of Ordinance, No. X of 1948, is hereby 
acknowledged. 
 2. On receipt of the registration certificate from the Employment Exchange it will be 
forwarded to you by registered (acknowledgement due) post.  
 3. Please quote the above reference number in future correspondence 
 
Signature…………….. 
Designation………….. 
To Mr ……………………… 
….………………………… 
 ….………………………… 
 
__________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RGN Date: 09-08-2024