📰 Ex-Pakistan Leave: Complete Guide for Government Employees — Rules, Types, and Procedures (Under Revised Leave Rules 1981)

“Leave Ex-Pakistan” is a particular category of leave under the leave rules for civil servants in Pakistan, which allows a government servant to enjoy his/her leave while residing abroad, or to proceed abroad while on leave, or request specifically that the leave be spent outside Pakistan. For example: a civil servant on annual leave who wishes to go abroad, requests that his leave be treated as “Leave Ex-Pakistan”. Watch complete video here for HAT test

"Leave Ex-Pakistan": A civil servant's passport and approved travel documents ready for a sanctioned period of leave to be spent outside Pakistan, according to the Civil Servants (Revised) Leave Rules.

Legal rules allow this. For example, under the Civil Servants (Revised) Leave Rules, 1980 (federal) Rule 15 (Leave Ex-Pakistan) says:

“Leave ex-Pakistan may be granted on full pay to a civil servant who applies for such leave or who proceeds abroad during leave … and makes a specific request to that effect.” federalshariatcourt.gov.pk+2Finance Division Pakistan+2
It also states that such leave pay abroad is restricted (max 120 days at a time) and certain currency/payment constraints apply. federalshariatcourt.gov.pk+2sindhhighcourt.gov.pk+2
Thus, Ex-Pakistan Leave is not a type of purpose (study / pilgrimage / personal) in itself but a mode / condition under which many kinds of leave may be exercised outside Pakistan.

Types of Leave that may be taken (or combined with) Ex-Pakistan Leave

Because Ex-Pakistan Leave is a mode, it can in principle be applied to many underlying leave types. Below are the main leave types under the Revised Leave Rules / provincial rules (with examples) which may be used abroad (subject to conditions) via Ex-Pakistan Leave.

1. Leave on Full Pay (Earned Leave)

A civil servant earns leave on full pay for service rendered (for example, 4 days for every calendar month of duty under some provincial rules). KP Code+1
Such leave may be used concretely inside Pakistan, or if the person requests, be used as Ex-Pakistan Leave (i.e., spent abroad) subject to the Ex-Pakistan conditions (e.g., max 120 days at a time).
Example: You have 60 days earned leave, you apply to use 30 days and specify you will spend abroad — that becomes Leave Ex-Pakistan for 30 days on full pay.

2. Leave on Half Pay

Under certain rules a civil servant may convert leave on full pay into leave on half pay (for example, “one day full‐pay leave for every two days half‐pay leave”). KP Code+1
This type may also be subject to being spent abroad if you so request and the competent authority approves as Ex-Pakistan Leave.

3. Leave Not Due

“Leave not due” is a type of leave which may be granted even if you have no leave credit, to be offset against future leave earnings. Example: up to 365 days in the entire service under some rules. KP Code+1
If you avail “Leave Not Due” and request it to be spent abroad, that too may be treated as Ex-Pakistan Leave (if sanctioned under that mode).

4. Extraordinary Leave (Leave Without Pay)

If you want to go abroad for a longer period, or for special purposes, sometimes extraordinary leave (without pay) is available. Example: under provincial rules, after 10 years’ service you may apply for up to 5 years extraordinary leave without pay. Scribd+1
If you are on extraordinary leave and request the leave to be spent abroad, depending on rules, it may be categorised as Ex-Pakistan Leave (though pay isn’t paid if it’s without pay leave).
Note: “Leave Ex-Pakistan” rule in many versions says “may be granted on full pay” when used, so extraordinary leave (without pay) may not automatically qualify for full pay abroad under that clause — you would need to check your department/province’s implementation. (Federal Rule says “on full pay” in clause for Ex-Pakistan leave) federalshariatcourt.gov.pk+1

5. Study Leave

For higher studies (MS/MPhil/PhD) abroad or otherwise, departments often permit study leave. While the specific rule for “Study Leave” may be departmental or provincial, you can combine the study leave with Ex-Pakistan mode (if you will study abroad).
The Ex-Pakistan clause does not explicitly mention “study leave” but the mode can apply as long as it’s a leave admissible under rules and the request is for abroad.

6. Disability Leave / Medical Leave / Leave Preparatory to Retirement / Special Leave

Some rules provide specific leave-types outside the standard leave account:
- Disability Leave: e.g., under federal Revised Leave Rules Rule 14: “may be granted, outside the leave account … upto a maximum of 720 days …” for a civil servant disabled in the course of duty. federalshariatcourt.gov.pk+1
- Leave Preparatory to Retirement: under Rule 16: “ the maximum period upto which a civil servant may be granted leave preparatory to retirement shall be 365 days.” Finance Division Pakistan+1
- Special Leave / Maternity Leave / etc.: For example, under provincial rules: special leave to female civil servant on death of husband; maternity leave (on full pay) etc. Scribd+1
While these are special leave types, one may ask if they can be treated as Ex-Pakistan (i.e., spent abroad) — in general yes if the service rules allow the underlying leave type and you request from abroad; but departments may restrict some leave types (e.g., maternity, disability) to be used within the country or subject to medical grounds. Always check departmental interpretation.

Legal / Rule Provisions for Ex-Pakistan Leave

Here are key points extracted from the rules:

Under the federal Revised Leave Rules (1980) Rule 15 “Leave Ex-Pakistan” reads:
1. “Leave ex-Pakistan may be granted on full pay to a civil servant … who proceeds abroad during leave, or takes leave while posted abroad … and makes a specific request to that effect.” federalshariatcourt.gov.pk+1
2. “The leave pay to be drawn abroad shall be restricted to a maximum of three thousand rupees per month.” Finance Division Pakistan
3. “Such leave pay shall be payable … subject to a maximum of one hundred and twenty days at a time.” federalshariatcourt.gov.pk+1
4. “Leave Ex-Pakistan will be regulated and be subject to the same limits and conditions as prescribed in rules 5, 6 and 9.” (which deal with general limits on leave on full pay, etc.) federalshariatcourt.gov.pk
Provincial rules confirm similar language. For example, the Civil Servants Leave Rules, 1986 (Sindh) (Sindh) Rule 11 “Leave ex-Pakistan” says: “Leave ex-Pakistan may be granted on full pay … subject to maximum of 120 days at a time.” sindhhighcourt.gov.pk
In the Balochistan version the rule says: “Any kind of leave as admissible under these rules may also be granted as leave Ex-Pakistan …” Balochistan Code

Conditions / Limitations & Practicalities

Maximum period: In many rules the maximum continuous period for Ex-Pakistan Leave is 120 days at a time. After that you may need fresh sanction. sindhhighcourt.gov.pk+1
Pay abroad: While on full pay leave, if abroad, rules may restrict the payment in foreign exchange or require payment in Pakistani rupees. Example: “civil servants appointed after 17 May 1958 shall draw their leave salary in rupees in Pakistan regardless of the country.” sindhhighcourt.gov.pk
Combination with other leave types: The clause often says Ex-Pakistan Leave will “be subject to the same limits and conditions” of the underlying leave types (see federal Rule 15, clause 6). federalshariatcourt.gov.pk
Service exigencies: Granting of leave (including Ex-Pakistan mode) is not automatic; it depends on service needs, sanctioning authority, departmental policy. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government+1
Return to duty: After leave you must properly assume charge of post, hand over before leave, etc. For Ex-Pakistan Leave, some rules require you to take abroad medical certificate if leave was for medical grounds. 786Times+1
Misconduct / unauthorized travel: If a civil servant proceeds abroad without sanction of Ex-Pakistan Leave (or any leave) it may be treated as absence without leave / misconduct. For example, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently held “willful absence or travel abroad without prior approval of ex-Pakistan leave cannot be treated lightly.” The Express Tribune

Why use Ex-Pakistan Leave?

Allows the government servant to legally spend leave abroad, rather than returning to Pakistan or being on “unauthorised absence”.
Provides clarity on salary/allowances while abroad (subject to rules) and helps maintain service continuity.
Useful for approved purposes: studying abroad, family reasons abroad, official foreign duty, medical treatment abroad, or perhaps pilgrimage/Umrah abroad etc.
Protects the employee’s service record: being on sanctioned Ex-Pakistan Leave is preferable to being absent without leave.

When is Ex-Pakistan Leave typically granted (common scenarios)?

Here are typical situations when Ex-Pakistan Leave is sought:

Study abroad / scholarship: e.g., MS / MPhil / PhD abroad, combining Study Leave with Ex-Pakistan mode.
Medical treatment abroad: the employee needs to travel outside Pakistan for health reasons, uses his earned/medical leave plus Ex-Pakistan mode.
Family relocation / spouse abroad: if spouse working abroad and employee wants to accompany (and department permits).
Official duty abroad: If the employee is posted or deputed abroad, and requests leave abroad.
Pilgrimage / Umrah / special purpose abroad: While not always explicitly listed, many employees apply for Ex-Pakistan Leave to spend holidays abroad or for Umrah/Hajj (though departmental approval may vary).
Personal travel abroad: Using earned leave (or leave not due / extraordinary leave) and requesting it to be spent abroad.

How to apply for Ex-Pakistan Leave – key steps

Check your department / provincial rules: confirm what leave types you have, your leave account, your service eligibility.
Prepare your leave application: specify the type of leave (earned, not due, extraordinary, study, etc.), number of days, start & end date, mention you will spend the leave abroad so Ex-Pakistan Leave is requested.
Attach supporting documents: e.g., admission letter (if study), passport copy, visa/foreign travel details, funding proof, medical certificate (if medical reason), NOC from department (if required).
Submit to competent authority: head of office → next higher authority → as per departmental hierarchy.
If approved: note the sanction order, ensure proper handing over of charge, understand salary payment abroad (currency, limits), and re-assume duty on return per procedure.
On return: report to duty, hand over any documents required, ensure no unauthorized extensions.

Example of Leave Types + how Ex-Pakistan mode interacts

Leave type	Typical usage	Ex-Pakistan mode interaction
Earned leave (full pay)	For vacations, rest	Can be spent abroad if leave sanction includes “Ex-Pakistan” condition; salary on full pay (subject to limit)
Leave on half pay	For longer rest while earning less pay	If allowed, can be converted and spent abroad under Ex-Pakistan mode
Leave not due	Without leave credit, offset later	Same, if sanctioned and mode specified
Extraordinary leave (without pay)	Longer absence, self-financed study/travel	May be spent abroad but salary usually not paid; may require special sanction
Study leave	For higher education abroad/domestic	If abroad, Ex-Pakistan mode may apply; salary/allowances depend on sponsorship & departmental policy
Disability leave	Medical injury in service	If abroad medical treatment required and allowed, Ex-Pakistan mode might apply with conditions
Leave preparatory to retirement	Before retirement	If employee wishes to spend final leave abroad, may apply Ex-Pakistan mode pending rules in department

Some practical caveats & things to watch

Just because you request “Ex-Pakistan Leave” doesn’t guarantee you full pay abroad — departmental implementation may limit allowances or transfer to rupee salary.
Many departments now scrutinize Ex-Pakistan Leave closely (especially extended durations) due to misuse. The Supreme Court has warned of “wilful absence or travel without approval” being misconduct. The Express Tribune
If you extend your stay abroad beyond sanctioned period without fresh approval, you may be absent without leave and risk losing pay, seniority, or facing disciplinary action.
The “120 days at a time” maximum means you may need to apply for extension or fresh sanction if you want to exceed that period abroad under Ex-Pakistan mode.
For self-financed studies/travel, your leave may be without pay or under extraordinary leave; you must check if Ex-Pakistan mode still allows full pay or not.
Depending on the country and currency situation, salary payment abroad may be subject to special conditions (e.g., sterling abroad, rupee salary for officers appointed after certain date) as in the rules.
You must ensure proper handing over of charge and assumption of duty on return; failure may cause problems with service record.

Why the detailed rules matter

Because the government needs to regulate the outflow of employees abroad, maintain service continuity, and ensure that the leave system is fair and not abused.
For the employee, knowing the exact rules helps secure rights—especially salary on full pay while abroad, maintaining seniority, promotions, etc.
It gives legal basis to say: “Yes, Ex-Pakistan Leave is valid under Rule 15 (federal) / Rule 12/11 (provincial)”, so you can request properly rather than risk being informal or unsanctioned.

Ex-Pakistan Leave is a formal type of leave granted to government employees who wish to travel abroad while retaining their service status.

It applies to all federal and provincial employees under the Revised Leave Rules, 1981, issued under the Civil Servants Act, 1973.
This article explains all types of Ex-Pakistan Leave — from study leave to medical or family visits — with references from official rules.

⚖️ Legal Reference

Ex-Pakistan Leave is governed by:

Rule 9, Revised Leave Rules, 1981 (Government of Pakistan, Establishment Division Notification S.R.O. 865(I)/81, dated 21 July 1981)
Civil Servants Act, 1973 (Section 23)
Finance Division Notifications and provincial rules
These provide the legal foundation for granting, combining, and approving Ex-Pakistan Leave for civil servants.

📘 General Principles

It is not a separate leave type, but a status applied when the employee intends to go abroad.
It may be combined with Earned Leave, Extraordinary Leave (EOL), Study Leave, or LPR.
Prior written permission from competent authority is mandatory.
Employees going abroad without sanction are liable for disciplinary action.

🏛️ Types of Ex-Pakistan Leave

1. Ex-Pakistan Leave on Earned Leave

For employees wishing to spend earned leave abroad.
Full pay and allowances admissible.
Duration depends on leave balance.
Example: Visiting relatives abroad for one month.

2. Ex-Pakistan Leave on Extraordinary Leave (EOL)

Granted when no earned leave is left.
Leave is without pay or allowances.
Maximum: 1 year, extendable with special approval.

3. Ex-Pakistan Leave for Study (MS, MPhil, PhD)

For higher studies abroad, with or without scholarship.
May be with pay (study leave) or without pay (EOL).
Study Leave Rules (Rule 20, Revised Leave Rules 1981) apply.
Usual duration:
- MS/MPhil: up to 2 years
- PhD: up to 3 years (extendable)

4. Ex-Pakistan Leave on Medical Grounds

For treatment abroad not available in Pakistan.
Requires medical board approval.
Granted on pay or EOL basis depending on circumstances.

5. Ex-Pakistan Leave for Hajj or Umrah

Can be availed under earned leave.
Must specify duration, travel details, and contact abroad.
Often combined with other leave types.

6. Ex-Pakistan Leave for Family Visit or Reunion

Common for employees whose families live abroad.
Granted on earned leave or EOL basis.
Destination and address must be provided.

7. Ex-Pakistan Leave During LPR (Leave Preparatory to Retirement)

Employees on LPR may travel abroad with permission.
Pension and retirement benefits remain unaffected.

🧾 Approval Authority

Category	Approval Authority
BPS 1–16	Head of Department / District Officer
BPS 17–19	Administrative Secretary
BPS 20+	Chief Secretary / Establishment Division
Study Leave Abroad	Department + HEC / Finance Division + Establishment Division

🛫 Application Procedure

Submit written application stating purpose, duration, and country of travel.
Attach relevant documents (passport copy, admission or medical certificate).
Obtain NOC from department.
Forward case for approval to the competent authority.
Do not leave Pakistan until the official order is issued.

⚠️ Important Conditions

Leaving Pakistan without approval = misconduct.
Unauthorized absence = dies non (no pay, no service).
Leave counts for pension only if sanctioned properly.
The Government may recall an employee if required.

🚫 Penalties for Unauthorized Departure

Under the Government Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973,
unauthorized foreign travel may result in:
Suspension
Withholding of increments
Compulsory retirement
Dismissal from service

📚 Official References

Civil Servants Act, 1973 — Section 23
Revised Leave Rules, 1981 — Rule 9
Finance Division O.M. No. F.1(2)R-4/87, dated 10 June 1989
Punjab Government Rules of Business, 2011
Establishment Division Circulars (latest instructions)
HEC Study Leave Policy (Revised)

Conclusion

Leave Ex-Pakistan is a valuable provision for civil servants wishing to spend their leave abroad. It is not limited only to study (MS/MPhil/PhD) but can apply to many types of leave — earned leave, not due leave, extraordinary leave, study leave, medical leave, etc. However, it must be properly sanctioned, and the underlying leave must be admissible under service rules. Always check your departmental/provincial rules, ensure documentation is in order, and follow the procedures to enjoy it without jeopardising your service. Ex-Pakistan Leave ensures that government employees can temporarily go abroad for education, treatment, or personal reasons while maintaining their official status. Understanding its rules, conditions, and legal framework helps avoid disciplinary issues and ensures transparency in public service.