Junaid Sharif

The progress of any civilization, nation, or state hinges upon the strength of its institutions. When institutions operate on the principles of merit and transparency, the most talented segments of society rise to take the helm of governance. The Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) is the highest constitutional body in Sindh, tasked with selecting the “best of the best” for the province’s administrative framework.

Regrettably, over the past few decades, this institution has strayed from its core mission, becoming a breeding ground for controversy. The youth of Sindh, who invest their blood, sweat, and hard-earned resources into their education, are now mired in profound despair. This situation perfectly mirrors the Sindhi proverb: “When the fence starts devouring the field, who then shall be the protector?”

The SPSC was established to provide a level playing field where the children of the poor and the wealthy alike could attain high-ranking positions based solely on competence. However, a look at the last twenty years reveals a chronic cycle of litigation, illegal appointments of members, and systemic corruption. The Sindh High Court and the Supreme Court have repeatedly suspended the commission’s panels, exposing deep-rooted structural flaws. When an institution’s credibility vanishes, those who believe in the sanctity of hard work are left in a state of mental agony.

The primary cause of the SPSC’s decline is blatant political interference. Commission members are often appointed based on their loyalty to the ruling elite rather than their integrity. When the “referee” is a partisan, a merit-based decision becomes an impossibility. As Advocate Sajjad Chandio, a legal crusader for commission reforms, puts it: “The autonomy of the Commission exists only on paper. Until an independent and transparent mechanism for appointing members is established, the dream of merit will remain a mirage.” This state of affairs is best described by the adage: “A blind man wanders into a wilderness where there is neither a guide nor a guardian.”

Another tragedy is the “administrative inertia” of the SPSC. It often takes over two years to complete a single Competitive Combined Examination (CCE) cycle. This deliberate delay—from the initial advertisement to the final interview—shatters the morale of candidates. Many brilliant minds become “over-age” during this period. This is not merely incompetence; it appears to be a calculated maneuver to adjust “preferred” candidates over time. One frustrated candidate remarked: “We remain buried in books while our jobs are being auctioned outside.” It is a case of maximum effort yielding zero results.

In recent years, media reports have provided evidence of paper leaks via WhatsApp groups and the manipulation of interview scores to favor influential individuals. When incompetent people are recruited through political pressure or the misuse of the quota system, the entire administrative machinery of Sindh becomes paralyzed. We see the consequences today: crumbling schools, dysfunctional hospitals, and decaying departments. As the wise say: “As the intention, so the reward.” With tainted intentions, the only outcome is ruin.

While the quota system was designed to uplift underprivileged areas, it is frequently used to suppress merit. To reclaim its integrity, the SPSC must embrace modern technology:

1. a) Shifting to computer-based testing to eliminate paper leaks;
2. b) Video-documenting interviews to ensure accountability and provide evidence in case of disputes;
3. c) Legally mandating that results be declared within 90 days of an exam.

When the son of a poor man is denied his right due to a lack of merit, it sows the seeds of rebellion and hatred. The rising rates of suicide and drug addiction among Sindh’s youth are symptoms of this systemic injustice. We must remember: “Lies have no legs to stand on”—this injustice cannot last forever.

Civil society, intellectuals, and students must form a “Watchdog Group” to monitor the commission. Furthermore, the judiciary should move beyond stay orders and establish a high-level merit committee to scrutinize the appointment of commission members. Until the policy of “setting the wolf to guard the sheep” is abolished, no real change will occur.

Suffice it to say, the Sindh Public Service Commission stands at a critical crossroads. If it continues to be a “graveyard of merit,” Sindh’s bureaucracy will be filled with loyalists rather than public servants. The survival of the province depends on choosing competence over “recommendations” (Sifarish). As the saying goes, “Truth stands tall and dances”—if we reform our institutions with honesty today, the Sindh of tomorrow will be bright. Otherwise, history will remember us as those who buried their own future with their own hands.

Read: Harassment at the Educational Institutes

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Junaid Sharif, based in Hyderabad, has dome Masters in English Literature. He writes articles for English and Sindhi dailies. Currently, he is working as a subeditor and reporter at a Sindhi newspaper in Hyderabad. Email: junaidsharif2016@gmail.com.

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Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) has initiated the selection process for appointment against 9466 posts in various government departments, including 2600 posts of School Education, 1659 College Education, 383 Agriculture, 34 Works & Services, 179 Health Department, 1881 ASI in police department, 1300 medical officers, and others.

Chairman SPSC Mohammad Waseem in his briefing to the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in a a meeting on Tuesday July 23, 2024 informed that approximately 28 requisitions were received from various departments of the provincial government for the recruitment process against different posts. SPSC issued eight consolidated advertisements and Combined Competitive Examination -2023 promptly.

Subsequently, more than 30 interview programs/sessions for different posts under different Committees were scheduled simultaneously, and results were announced promptly to complete the recruitment process.

The CM was informed that after due diligence, 5435 appropriate and qualified individuals, including Medical Officers (male/female) BPS-17, Staff Nurses BPS-16 Division-wise, Lecturers BPS-17, and Subject Specialists BPS-17, Municipal Officers BPS-17, Town Officer BPS-16, were recommended to the concerned administrative departments.

The number of Posts Recommended by the Sindh Public Service Commission for Various Departments in 2022 (September 2022 to December 2022), 2023 (January 2023 to December 2023), and 2024 (January 2024 to April 2024) is 9836.

Chairman SPSC informed the CM that the five major departments served by the commission include the Health Department with 591 Posts, the Livestock Department with 257 Posts, Agriculture, and Supply & Prices with 127 Posts, Environment and Climate: 93 Posts, and College Education with 83 Posts.

The CM instructed the Chairman SPSC to establish a computer-based testing laboratory to bring more transparency to the Commission and uphold meritocracy. He directed to ensure the holding of a Combined Competitive Examination every year so that the shortage of officers can be met in time.

The SPSC members who attended the meeting include Rizwan Memon, Rizwan Ahmad, Malik Ghori, Qazi Shahid Parvaiz, Arif Hanif, Farhat Kamal, Vikram Singh Sodho, Nusrat Mangan, Ms. Kalpna Devi, Rabia Salahuddin, Dr Qazi Masood, Muzaffar Leghari, Dr. Saeed Mangnejo, and Secretary Nazeer Qureshi.

The Chairman of SPSC along with his members presented an annual report to the CM. (PR)

Read: 1028 Posts of Specialist Cadre Doctors Lying Vacant in Sindh

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Aizaz Peerzado

In an alarming and disheartening turn of events, the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) has announced a position for a Curator within the Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, Archives, and Archaeology Department of Sindh.

The qualifications stipulated for this crucial role are a four-year degree in Fine Arts. This decision not only undermines the specialized education and training of archaeology students but also raises serious questions about the criteria and processes used by the SPSC.

As a student in the field of archaeology, I, along with my peers, have dedicated years to mastering the science and art of unearthing, conserving, curating, and displaying artifacts that tell the rich history of our land. Archaeology students in Sindh are rigorously trained in excavation techniques, conservation methodologies, and the curating of artifacts, making them uniquely qualified for positions that require such expertise.

It is deeply concerning that the SPSC does not recognize this specialized training and instead favors a degree that, while valuable in its own right, does not align with the specific needs of the role.

The role of a Curator in the context of archaeology goes far beyond the artistic presentation of artifacts. It involves understanding the historical significance ensuring the scientific preservation, and providing accurate interpretations of the artifacts to the public.

These are skills that are honed through an archaeology-focused education and hands-on field experience. By setting the qualification as a degree in Fine Arts, the SPSC is not only excluding highly qualified archaeology graduates but also potentially compromising the integrity and effectiveness of the curating process in our museums.

It is imperative that the SPSC reevaluates this decision and recognizes the qualifications of archaeology students who have spent years studying the intricate details of our past. The current criteria not only alienate the most appropriate candidates but also discourage students from pursuing specialized education in archaeology, knowing that their career opportunities may be unjustly limited.

I urge the authorities, including the Culture, Tourism, Antiquities, Archives, and Archaeology Department of Sindh, to address this issue and rectify this oversight. It is essential to establish qualification criteria that reflect the true nature of the job and the expertise required.

This will not only ensure that the most qualified individuals are appointed but also uphold the standards and integrity of our archaeological heritage. In conclusion, this is a call for justice and fairness in the appointment processes within the SPSC. Let us not diminish the value of specialized education and experience in archaeology. Instead, let us ensure that our heritage is preserved and presented by those who have dedicated their academic and professional lives to understanding and protecting it.

Also read: Sindh Public Service Commission: Question of Credibility

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Aizaz Peerzado is resident of Village Balhreji near Mohen Jo Daro, District Larkano Sindh. He has graduated in Archaeology and currently is doing M.Phil. on fast vanishing heritage sites in the province – Images provided by the author 

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The question of whether to increase the upper age limit in combined competitive examinations conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) is a matter that requires careful consideration. While some argue that an extension could enhance inclusivity and allow more individuals to participate, others express concerns about potential drawbacks. This write up explores the merits and demerits of increasing the upper age limit in SPSC examinations.

Benefits of Increasing Upper Age Limit

Inclusivity and Diversity: Extending the upper age limit can foster inclusivity by accommodating candidates who may have delayed entry into the job market due to various reasons such as late announcement by SPSC, pursuing higher education, career changes, or family responsibilities. This promotes a diverse pool of applicants, enriching the talent pool within the civil services.

Experience and Maturity: Older candidates often bring a wealth of experience and maturity to the workforce. By allowing individuals with more years of professional or life experience to participate, the SPSC may tap into a resource of seasoned individuals who can contribute significantly to public service.

Addressing unforeseen circumstances: Life events and unforeseen circumstances can impede individuals from applying for competitive exams within the current age limit. Extending the age limit provides a safety net for those who may have faced challenges such as health issues, family emergencies, or economic hardships that delayed their pursuit of a government career.

Drawbacks of Increasing Upper Age Limit

Competitive disadvantages for younger candidates: A higher age limit might disadvantage younger candidates by reducing their chances of securing a position. Younger individuals may argue that a level playing field is essential for fair competition, and an extended age limit could undermine this principle.

Adoptability and technology: The nature of public service is evolving, with an increasing reliance on technology and adaptability. Critics may argue that older candidates, despite their experience, may face challenges in adapting to rapidly changing work environments, potentially affecting their efficiency in government roles.

Potential for delayed Retirement: Extending the age limit could result in longer service periods for individuals entering government service later in life. This may impact workforce dynamics, potentially delaying the retirement of senior officials and limiting opportunities for younger professionals to advance in their careers.

In conclusion, the decision to increase the upper age limit in SPSC combined competitive examinations is a complex one, with both advantages and disadvantages. However, like CSS, they should consider this attempt as special and increase the upper age limit up to 35 years as all unemployed people of Sindh may avail themselves of this glittering opportunity to be the part of bureaucracy.

Zahoor Abbas

HM, GBPS Siddiqui Colony Larkano Sindh

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Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Monday that on the recommendation of the Minister of Education Sardar Shah 1200 positions of M.Phil. and Ph.D. teachers have been sent to Sindh Public Service Commission for selection.

While speaking at the Distribution of Offer Letters to the newly selected lecturers here at CM House, the CM said that it was the heaviest commission (SPCS exam) in which over 100,000 candidates appeared for 1500 posts. “After a lengthy process, the SPSC selected the 1500 best minds for the task to be given to them to prepare the future of the country. “These 1500 teachers selected through a competitive process would turn up in their classes in August (after summer vacation) and would demonstrate their teaching skills.”

Murad Ali Shah said that the process of the recruitment of 50000 teachers through a third party and the commission has been completed and now more than 1600 positions, teaching and non-teaching, are being created to meet the requirement of teachers.

Shah said that the education minister has told him that the attendance of the students and the teachers in colleges has been digitized.

The CM disclosed that 28 libraries in the colleges have been digitized and the number of digital libraries would reach 58 by the end of the current financial year.

Murad Shah said that now his government with the help of Aga Khan and other leading educational institutions was launching a teacher licenses process to improve the quality of education.

The chief minister and minister of education distributed 100 offer letters to the male and female candidates who have qualified for the SPSC examination for lectureship. The offer letters were given to those candidates who acquired distinction in their commission exam/test.

The remaining offer letters have already been dispatched to the candidates at their postal addresses.

The program was attended by provincial ministers, secretaries of education – school and college sides, families of the newly selected lecturers, and leading educations. (PR)

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Karachi, Sindh

Chairman Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) Mohammad Waseem called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and presented the annual report of 2022.

The Sindh Public Service Commission is a constitutional body, with the primary task to recruit senior officers for civil bureaucracy for the provincial government. It has been playing a vital role in strengthening the Administration of various departments working under the provincial government. The SPC endeavors to recommend the most suitable candidates through a fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process.

The reporting year (2022) encapsulates the recovery phase of the Sindh Public Service Commission from the aftermath of the High Court’s ruling in 2019. The newly appointed Chairperson and Members undertook concerted efforts to resume the halted process of the entire recruitment and address other administrative issues, report says.

The SPSC Act was amended and approved by the Provincial Assembly as the SPSC Act of 2022, repealing the Act of 1989. Subsequently, SPSC Functions and Rules were also amended to 2022. Subsequently, Sindh Public Service Commission (Functions) Rules of 2022, and Sindh Public Service Commission (Appointment of Chairperson and Members) Rules of 2022 were also enacted. Approximately, 25 requisitions were received from various departments of the Sindh Government for the recruitment process for different posts. Expeditiously, SPSC issued nine consolidated advertisements and the same were published in National and Regional newspapers.

The report says that following the re-functionalization of SPSC, the Commission considerably reduced the duration between the closing date of the Advertisement and the conduct of the tests of various posts by holding many Tests/Examinations promptly after the closing dates in 2022. Even with binding constraints, SPSC was able to advertise 1, 120 posts during the calendar year of 2022.

The chairman of SPSC told the CM that 7723 candidates appeared in written exams out of which 1,477 qualified. 4,475 candidates were interviewed out of which 976 were recommended. (PR)

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Karachi

The Sindh Public Service Commission has contradicted a news item published in a section of press on 19.12.2022 and termed it as false news and propaganda against SPSC by Mr. Muhammad Qasim Halepoto, a Bureau Chief/ Reporter of a daily newspaper and Mr. Sattar Malak, a reporter of another newspapers.

Clarifying the news item the press release of SPSC states that “One Mr. Muhammad Qasim Halepoto, who introduced himself as Senior Reporter and Bureau Chief of Daily “Jang” made a call to Sindh Public Service Commission authorities that his wife Ms. Zubeda D/o Muhammad Ismail having CNIC No. 4130318597548 had appeared in the written test for the post of Lecturer (BPS-17) Sindhi however she has not qualified for the Interview. In order to give him a patient hearing, he was requested to meet the Controller of Examinations as per SPSC rules / policy to redress his grievance, if any. However, after verification of key and Carbon Copy he was informed that her wife had not qualified for the interview due to his low score below the cutoff marks as per the laid down procedure and rules.

He, instead of acknowledging the stance of SPSC which was in conformity with the regulations resorted to arm tactics and started exerting nuisance to get his spouse eligible for the said interview. Moreover, in order to defame the SPSC he is attempting to tarnish the image and credibility of SPSC by publishing an incorrect false news in Daily “Jung” dated 19.12.2022 as Bureau Chief and in Daily “Parvvan” dated 19.12.2022 through Mr. Sattar Malak (Reporter) who is a Primary School Teacher in School Education Department having personnel No. 10336325.

The Sindh Public Service Commission therefore, clarifies that the posts of Secretary (BPS-19) and Controller of Examinations (BPS-19) are meant for Cadre Officers, to be posted by the Government of Sindh. Neither their postings are against the rules nor in violation of orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken place.

The Sindh Public Service Commission would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that SPSC is strictly following its rules and regulations in the best interest of its candidates as per enacted law with transparency, fairness and integrity.

Furthermore, the Sindh Public Service Commission is a Constitutional body established under Article 242(1) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 and reserves the right to file defamation suit etc. as per law against the persons who intend to undermine the image and functioning of this Constitutional Institution.

It is imperative to share documentary evidence which will substantiate that said news were published based on malafide, ulterior / personal motives which are hereby condemned in the interest of justice and fair play.” (PR)

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Sindh Courier Report

Karachi: The Information Department of Sindh government has stopped the payment of salaries and allowances of its 38 Information Officers appointed on contract basis in the year 2012, till their suitability is assessed by Sindh Public Service Commission.

The action has been taken following the orders of Sindh High Court in a petition filed by one Marvi, challenging the appointments. The appointments in the Information Department were reportedly made during the period when Sharjeel Inam Memon held the portfolio of Information Minister.

Secretary Information Department, in a letter to the Accountant General Sindh stated that ‘the Competent Authority has desired to stop the salaries and allowances of Information Officers (BPS-17) appointed on contract basis in the year 2012’.

Secretary Information requested the Accountant General Sindh to stop the salaries and allowances of Information Officers till the time their cases are referred to Sindh Public Service Commission for assessing their suitability as admissible under the law.

The names of Information Officers are as under:

Abdul Qayoom Solangi s/o Faiz Muhammad Solangi; Amanullah Channa s/o Allah Dino Channa; Kamran Ahmed s/o Haji Muhammad Phulpoto; Shakeel Ahmed s/o Nisar Ahmed; Ullab Ali s/o Abid Ali; Abbas Ali Shah s/o Noor Hussain Shah; Raheem Bux s/o Abdul Karim Brohi; Sher Muhammad s/o Haji Ahmed Khan Jamali; Sabir Rasheed s/o Abdul Rasheed; Saifullah Behan s/o Naimatullah Behan; Irfan Ali s/o Ahmed Ali Pathan; Keenjhar Fayaz w/o Fayaz Ali Abbasi; Sarfaraz Samo s/o Muhammad Samo; Imdad Ali s/o Faiz Muhammad Mehar; Javed Hussain s/o Hoat Khan Mehar; Mairaj Ahmed s/o Siraj Ahmed Samtio; Asif Ali Dero s/o Ashraf Ali Dero; Zubair Memon s/o Abdul Rahim Memon; Shoaib Ahmed Jamali s/o Bashir Ahmed; Nawaz Ali Ilyas Danish s/o Bisharat Ali Memon; Ghulam Mustafa Shah s/o Syed Khair Shah; Ghulam Raza s/o Muhammad Hashim Bhatti; Abdul Wahab s/o Nazeer Ahmed Dahar; Ali Murad Pitafi s/o Haji Shafi Muhammad; Zulfiqar Ali Shoro s/o Nimro Khan Shoro; Jan Muhammad s/o Muhammad Hassan; Irfan Ali s/o Noor Muhammad Junejo; Zeeshan Ali s/o Qambar Ali Laghari; Liaquat Ali s/o Muhammad Ayub Jamali; Hina Hameed Memon d/o Abdul Hameed Memon; Shabbir Ali s/o Asghar Ali; Sabin Farooque d/o Muhammad Farooque; Mohsin Hassan s/o Zahid Hussain; Sharmeen Shafiq Khan d/o Muhammad Shafiq Khan; Ali Ahmed s/o Ghulam Muhammad; Hassan Latif s/o Zafar Iqbal; Adnan Khan s/o Muhammad Malook Jagirani and Kashif Ali Magsi s/o Israr Ahmed Magsi.

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This refers to the recent decision of Sindh High Court dissolving the examination structure of Sindh Public Service Commission. The examination of CCE -18, medical officers and CCE -19 is under the question of the high court for its merit and selection of the candidates. The court decision could be praised that SPSC is destroying the merit and there are thousands of applicants who are always discouraged by it because of decline of merit.

But there are some candidates who are competent and selected on the merit. Why they are victimized due to incompetence of SPSC? There are some individuals who are competent and selected on merit and are serving at their respective offices since there selection. Why they are to suffer due to incompetence of SPSC? Some candidates have even left their first job because of passing of competitive examination. There are a few individuals who are black sheep in the SPSC and are cause of assassination of merit. Due to their unfair means whole the mechanism of organization collapsed.

It is proposed that if the individuals who are cause of mismanagement and spoiling the merit must be punished instead of victimizing the qualifiers.

The government job is always a dream of many candidates and for achieving this dream every aspiring candidate works hard day and night. When their dream comes into reality by passing the combined competitive examination, they are greeted by friends, kith and kin and unfortunately all of sudden it is declared that there is foul play in the process of selection.

The government job has become risky and insecure. This practice is damaging the future of those deserving and have achieved the aim of life by burning midnight oil. If the proper check and balance is observed at initial stage of selection, I am sure no one would fall prey. It is plea to the honorable court to punish the guilty and grant relief to those who are victimized as a result of this corrupt practice.

Mujeeb Ali Samo

Larkana Sindh

The post Sindh Public Service Commission: Question of Credibility first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sadly, once again, the recommendations of another combined competitive examination (CCE-18) conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission have been scrapped, this time, by the honorable Sindh High Court, Hyderabad. Previously, the results of CCE-13 too were set aside by the honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, rendering all the 226 allocated officers jobless and frustrated. This time the future of 235 hangs in limbo. This begets the question: is it really the misfortune of the meritorious candidates of Sindh, or is there a greater scheme at play here?

It’s a pity that the talented youth of Sindh has to suffer such a fate and endure the Greek tragedy, one more time. Hopefully, justice will prevail and the future of the affected officers will be saved in time by the judicial system of this country!

Tarique Ahmed Abro

Karachi Sindh

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