ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought reasons from the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for delaying the appointment of 111 statistics officers.

IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani on a petition filed by the candidates asked the FPSC chairman to depute an officer well versed with the matter to inform the court about the delay.

The petitioners through their lawyer Raja Shafqat Khan Abbasi contended that thousands of candidates from across the country had applied for the posts (BS-17) in Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Ministry ofPlanning, Development and Special Initiatives.

Each candidate deposited a fee of Rs300 in various branches of National Bank and State Bank of Pakistan. The FPSC received online applications from the candidates.

The commission conducted a pre-interview screening test in January 2019 and displayed the list of 636 successful candidates in July 2019.

However, since then the petitioners have been waiting for the outcome of the induction process, the counsel added.

After seeking a reply from the FPSC, Justice Kayani adjourned the hearing till April 23.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2021