July 09, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 5, 1429

Our Correspondent

SUKKUR, July 8: At least 7,000 youth against 300 posts of police constables appeared for physical test at the Airport Road and Police Line Sukkur on Monday.

According to details, several candidates fell unconscious due to sizzling heat as mercury touched 52 Celsius during 1,500-meter race at the Airport Road.

Deputy Superintendent, Police Headquarters Sukkur, Masroor Jatoi said there were 300 posts of police constable in the district against which 7,000 applications were received while they were divided in three groups for tests.

In another report from Khairpur, physical tests for 500 vacant posts of police constable were held at Mumtaz Ground wherein large number of candidates appeared but protested due to lack of arrangements. He said 10 candidates including, Naveed Hussain, Shamshad Ali, Khadim Shar, Waheed Khan, Juman Abro, Sheeraz Bukhari, Imam Dino Khaskheli and Mansoor Hussain and others fell unconscious which forced the organisers to change the timings to evening. However, all could not be tested due to shortage of time which led to protest and allegations that favourite candidates were given a chance.

They alleged the administration of failing to arrange drinking water and sheds on the hottest of hot day. They also exchanged hot words with the head of the Selection Committee. They demanded recruitment purely on merit.

Another report from Naushahro Feroze said that candidates for the post of police constable were directed to cover 1,500 meters in seven minutes. Dozens of candidates could not bear the heat and fell unconscious, while among them Abdul Latif 20 s/o Muhammad Ayoob, Ghulam Hussain 19 s/o Muhammad Saifal, Ali Ahmed 22, s/o Allah Bachayo Tagar were admitted to the Civil Hospital in critical condition.