KHAR: Over 11,000 youth, with some having PhD and MPhil degrees, have applied for around 350 posts of constables in the Bajaur Levies, according to a senior official.

He told Dawn on Tuesday that 11,650 applications had been received on Tuesday, the last day for submission of applications.

The official said that as per the criteria the candidates having middle pass certificate and 18 to 25 years of age with 5x7 height were eligible for the posts.

However, he said that majority of candidates had graduation and post-graduation degrees, and even some had PhD and MPhil degrees, which was because of rampant unemployment in the tribal region.

But, he said that it was good for the Levies to have educated youth in the force, who could better utilise their abilities to strengthen it.

The official said that the process of scrutinising applications had already been started and that applicants were likely to be called for physical tests and interview next week.

The official said that although the recruitment would be based on merit, priority would be given to youths of border areas of Mamond, Salarzai and Nawagai tehsils.

He said that special seats had also been allocated for the sons and close relatives of dead personnel.

Meanwhile, talking to Dawn some local residents and applicants alleged that officials of Levies force and the local administration were demanding bribe from the candidates to ensure their recruitment in the force.

They demanded of the political agent and other senior officials to take serious notice of the matter and set up a proper selection committee to ensure transparency and merit in the selection process.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014