ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL (REGISTRATION) ORDINANCE, 
1948 
(X of 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 Schedules 
SCHEDULE I 
SCHEDULE OF ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL 
SCHEDULE II 
REGISTRATION FORM FOR ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL 
SCHEDULE III 
LIST OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES TOGETHER WITH 
THEIR ADDRESSAND AREA SERVED BY THEM 
SCHEDULE IV 
SCHEDULE V 
SCHEDULE VI 
TEXT 
ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL (REGISTRATION) ORDINANCE, 1948 
(X of 1948
1
) 
[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 power 
to require essential personnel to register at Employment Exchanges set up by the 
Government of Pakistan. 
Now, therefore , in exercise o f the powers conferred by section 24 of the 
Government of India Act, 1935 (26 Geo, 5.c.2) 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 he 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 re pugnant in the 
subject or context,– 
(a) "essential personnel" includes all persons normally  
3
[exercising or 
following any of the professions,  occupations or employm ents] 
specified in Schedule I; 
4
[and persons trained or qualified to exercise 
or follows any such profession or employment.] 
(b) 
5
"Employment Exchanges" means an Employment  Exchange set up 
by the 
6
[Provincial Government.] 
(c) "Manager of an Employment Exchange" means the Officer -in-
Charge of an Employment Exchange and so appointed by the 
Government. 
7
[(d) "Schedule" means a Schedule to this Ordinance.] 
                                                 
1Published in the Gaz of Pak, Extr.,dt. 17-2-48. 
2The words “the Dominions of”  omitted by Ord.XXXIII of 1960,s.2. 
3Subs. By Essential Personnel (Reg istration) Ord. (Amendment) Act, 1948 (28 of 1948)  s.2, for “employed in any of the 
capacities”. 
4Added by Ord. XXXIII of 1960,s.3. 
5Subs. for the original sub-clause by Ord. XXXIII of 1960,s.3. 
6Subs. for “Central Government” by P.O.1 of 1964.  
7Inserted by Act 28th of 1948. 
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 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 Employment 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 registered at an Employment Exchange, if such persons 
are not already so registered. 
(4) Every persons 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 Exchange 
detailed in Schedule III. 
(2) In cases where it is not feasibl e for the essential personnel to call in 
person at the Employment Exchange to get registered they may submit 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 days of the receipt of the application a 
registration certificate in the form prescribed in Schedule IV. 
(2) When the application is made personally the Employment Exchange to 
which the application is made shall forthwith give to the applicant a memorandum as 
given in Schedule V acknowledging receipt of th e application and specifying the time 
and date when the applicant should present himself to receive the registration 
certificate. 
(3) When the application is received by post the registration certificate 
shall be issued within 10 days by registered (acknowledg ment due) post to the 
applicant. 
(4) When the application is submit ted to the District Magistrate/ Deputy 
Commissioner, he shall then issue to the applicant by registered (acknowledgment 
due) post a memorandum as specified in Schedule VI acknowledging receipt o f the 
application and shall forward the application to the 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 
                                                 
1Subs. for the original section 3 by Ord.XXXIII of 1960,s.4. 
2Subs. for “Central Government” by P.O.4 of 1975,s.2( 
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. 
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 exercising or following any 
profession, 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, occupation or employment being so 
specified 
3
[and any person who otherwise contravenes the provision of section 3], 
shall be punishable with fine not exceeding five hundred rupees.] 
4
[Explanation.– The provisions of this sub-section shall apply– 
(a) to any person normally exercising or following any professio n, 
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 sai d age–limits, as if for the date of specification the date 
of entry or attainment of that  age or qualification, as the case may be, 
were substituted]. 
5
[(3) No Court shall take cognizance of the offence except on complaint 
lodged by or made on the authorit y of the Joint Director, Employment Exchange, 
West Pakistan.) 
6
[7. Powers to amend Schedules .– The 
7
[appropriate Government] may, by 
notification in the official Gazette, amend or alter any Schedule.] 
8
[Explanation.– Appropriate Government in relation to S chedules I and II means 
the Federal Government and the Provincial Government and, in relation to other 
Schedules, the Provincial Government]. 
                                                 
1Subs by Act 28th of 1948,s.5 for the original sub-section (1) 
2Added by Ord XXXIII of 1960,s.5. 
3Added by Ord XXXIII of 1960,s.5. 
4Subs. for Sub-sec 2 of XXXIII of 1960, s.2. 
5Sub-sec, (3) subs. by West Pakistan Ordinance V of 1965 in its application to the Province of West Pakistan, for the original 
sub-section. 
6sec.7 subs. for the original section by Ord.XVII of 1949,s.6.  
7Subs. for “Central Government” by P.O.1 of 1946,Sch 
8Explanation substituted for the original Explanation by P.O.4 of 1975 dated 28th July 1975,s.2 (1) and Sch. 
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).  
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.  
21. Nurse.  
22. Veterinary Surgeon.  
1
[23. Armourer  
24. Blacksmith  
25. Springsmith.  
26. Heavy forge smith.  
27. Drop stamper.  
28. Boiler maker.  
29. Boiler plater.  
30. Rivetter.  
31. Bronze.  
32. Lacquerer.  
                                                 
1Entries 23 to 80 added vide Gaz of Pak. 1969, Pt.1, p.58. 
33. Draughtsman (mechanical).  
34. Die sinker.  
35. Engine driver (steam)  
36. Engine driver (internal combustion engine).  
37. Fitter (heavy industrial machines).  
38. Fitter (gauge and tool).  
39. Instrument mechanic.  
40. Machinist.  
41. Moulder  
42. Pattern maker.  
43. Refrigerator mechanic.  
44. Template maker.  
45. Tool maker  
46. Welder (oxy–acetylene).  
47. Welder (Electrical).  
48. Aircraft mechanic.  
49. Aircraft fitter.  
50. Precision grinder (optical). 
Engineering (Power House) 
51. Cable Jointer.  
52. Electrician.  
53. Lineman (Overhead).  
54. Main superintendent.  
55. Meter reader.  
56. Sub– station attendant.  
57. Switch board 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.  
69. Stenographer (having a speed of 80 words and above).  
70. Lithographer.  
71. Lithoprinter.  
72. Boat builder.  
73. Shipwrights.  
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.]  
1
81. Tailors (machine and hand).  
82. Fire Engine Drivers.  
83. Fire Leaders.  
84. Firemen.  
85. Vehicle Mechanic.]  
2[86. Radio mechanic.  
87. Foreman excavating machinery.  
88. Draughtsman topographical.  
89. General outdoor machine operator.  
90. Driver mobile crane. 
91. Heavy motor or Larry driver.  
92. Mechanic (1C)  
93. Ordinance artifices.  
                                                 
1(a) Entries 81 to 85 added by Noti EE(A)-81 of 27th Dec.1954, Gaz of Pak 31st December 1954. 
(b) Vide noti, 2 -9(L-II) 63- Lab-VI. Gaz of West Pak.Pt.I. Dec 20 th 1963, in its application to West Pakistan the Governor of 
West Pakistan added the following entries 81 to 91 in its applicati on to West Pakistan   81. Radio mechanic 82. Foreman 
excavating machinery. 83. Draftsman topographical  84. General out -door machine operator.  85.  Driver mobile crane.  86. 
Heavy motor/ Lorry driver.  87. Mechanic (IC)  88. Ordinance artifices.  89. Oper ator excavating machinery.  90. Operator tele-
printer. 91. Tin and copper smith. 
2Entries 86 to 119 added by Noti, S.R.O 980(1) 72 of 20th Oct. 1972, Gaz of Pak.Extr 25th Oct, 1972 Pt.II p.1000. 
94. Operator excavating machinery.  
95. Operator teleprinter.  
96. Tin and coppersmith.  
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.  Ophthalmologist  
110. Dermatologist. 
111. Engineer (Electronics). 
112. Mental Nursing Assistant.   
113. Boiler Attendant.  
114. Equipment & Boot Repair.  
115. Cook.  
116. Operator Laundry Plant.  
117. Store–keeper.  
118. Sweeper.  
119. Watchmaker.] 
120. Dressers Veterinary. 
121. Vulcanizer. 
122. Upholsterer. 
123. Life Saving Equipment Worker. 
124. Medical Assistant (Hygienist).  
125. Radar Fitter 
126. General Duty Medical Officer. 
[Ep Number Category 
127. Foreman (Electrical). 
128. Draughtsman (Civil Engineering). 
129. M.T. Fitter (Motor Veh Mech) 
130. Electrician (Auto). 
131. Psychiatrist Psychologist); 
1
[SCHEDULE II 
Registration Form for Essential Personnel. 
Industry Code No. Name of Exchange, Category and Occupational S. No. Year 
Code No. 
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 qualification (Enclose attested copies of certificate, if available:  
(a) General……  
(b) Technical…..  
11. Language….: Read.... Speak.... Write.... 
12. 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 Pay on leaving 
Factory/Institution/                       joining           leaving 
Employers 
The information recorded above is correct to the best of my knowledge. 
Date……..19.                                                                                  Signatures 
…………  
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) 
                                                 
1Schedule II subs for the Original Schedule Noti.S.R.O 1395(k) Gaz of Pak.pt,1.21 October,1960,p.499. 
1
[SCHEDULE III 
List of Employment Exchanges together with their address and area served by them. 
S. No. Employment Exchange  Address    Area served 
1. 1. Regional Employment 
Exchange, Karachi.  Valika Mahal, 
Jehangir Sethna Road, Karachi 
Whole of the 
2
[Karachi Division] and suburbs 
excluding area served by Employment 
Exchange Industrial Estate, Karachi. 
2. 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  Harichand Rai 
Road and Sobhraj  Chetumal Road, fr om 
thence the boundary line will go along the 
north of River Lyari up to the Municipal 
boundary. On the east, the boundary will start 
from the Karachi Health Association Building 
and will go along the north of nullah up to the 
sea beach. In the north it will be go right up to 
sea beach. 
3. Employment Exchange,  
Hyderabad 41/526, Miani Road, 
Near Ritz Hotel  Hyderabad 
Cantonment. 
Hyderabad and Khairpur Division. 
4. Employment Exchange,  
Quetta. Barrack No. 20 –21, Police 
Line, Jail Road, Quetta 
Quetta and Kalat Divisions. 
5. Employment Exchange,  
Multan. Sindhu Hessam Road, Near 
Chowk Nawan Shaher, Multan. 
Bahawalpur Division and the District of 
Multan. 
6. Employment Exchange 
Sahiwal,Station Road, Opps General 
Post Office, 
3
[Sahiwal] 
District of 
3
[Sahiwal] 
7. Regional Employment 
Exchange, Lahore. 34 Lawrence  
Road, Lahore. 
Districts of Lahore and Sheikhupura 
8. Employment 
Exchange, Sialkot. Sufaid 
Kothi, Paris Road, Sialkot. 
District of Sialkot 
9. Employment Exchange,  
Faislabad. District Board 
District of 
4
[Faisalabad] and Jang. 
                                                 
1Schedule III subs. for the original Schedule. Gaz of Pak., Pt. 1, Oct. 21,1960,p.500.  
2Subs. for “Karachi Administration area” by P.O. 1 of 1964, Sch. 
3Subs. for “Montgomery” by Ord XXVII of 1981,s.3 & second Sch. 
4Subs. for “ Lyallpur”, ibid. 
Sarai, 
4
lFaislabadl 
10. Employment Exchange,  
Gujranwala. Road No. 
35,Satellite Town, Gujranwala. 
District of Gujranwala. 
11. Employment Exchange,  
Sargodha. 8–A, New Civil Line , 
Haripur Road, Sargodha. 
District of Sargodha & Mianwali. 
12. Employment Exchange,  
Jhelum. Lodhi 
building,Tallianwala Road. 
Jhelum. 
District of Jhelum & Gujrat. 
13. Regional Employment 
Exchange Rawalpindi. 145 
Murree Road. Rawalpindi. 
District 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 Dera Ismail 
Khan and the adjoining Special Areas. 
SCHEDULE IV 
1
[Government of…………….  
(Name of the Province)  
Department of………………  
(Name of the department concerned)  
Directorate of…………..  
(Name of directorate concerned) . 
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 …………………
2
[in the 
category of essential personnel]  and that his registration number is 
………………………….. 
Employment Exchange 
Signature………………… 
Dated………….19  
                                                                                             (Manager) 
                                                 
1Subs for the original words by P.O.4 of 1975,s.2(1) & Sch. 
2Subs. for “as an essential personnel”, Noti, EE(a)-81(1),Dec,27,1954, Gaz. of Pak.Pt. 1, 31st Dec, 1954, p.335. 
SCHEDULE V 
1
(Government of……………….  
(Name of the Province)  
Department of…………………..  
(Name of the department concerned)  
Directorate of…………………..  
(Name of directorate concerned)  
 
No……………..                                                                                            Employment 
Exchange 
                                                                                                                                        
……………………….  
                                                                                                                                       
Dated………………19  
Memorandum 
[Vide Section 5(2) Ordinance No. X of 1948] 
The receipt of your application dated…………….. for registration at this office 
1
[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…………………… 
………………………. 
                                                 
1Items 16 to 20 omitted by P.O.4 of 1975, dt. July 28, 1975,s.2(1) & Sc 
SCHEDULE VI 
Ref. No………………………   
Office of the District Magistrate 
                          Deputy Commissioner…………  
                      Memorandum Dated…………………19 . 
(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 personnel 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 (acknowledgment due) post. 
3. Please quote the above reference number in future correspondence. 
 
Signature   
Designation   
 
To. 
Mr……………. 
………………….. 
………………….. 
 
………………………………………..XX……………………………………….