A DOCUMENT widely circulating on social media seems to have exposed the true face of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). It showed the FPSC staff providing favours to those who were set to take part in a forthcoming competitive exam. In return, the staff members are shown to have received monetary benefits.

The situation has raised questions on the credibility and transparency of FPSC, and about the future of candidates who always prepare hard for such exams, especially for a slot in the famed Central Superior Service (CSS).

It is unfortunate that corruption has in essence become the fate of Pakistan. Those with any kind of authority at their disposal misuse the power and try to strengthen their own position. They put the future of thousands at risk, but are not afraid of its dire consequences. This is not the story of just the present, as it has been happening since decades.

However, the vicious agendas of people or organisations are exposed sooner or later. The FPSC is strict about its rules and regulations when a candidate gets late in the submission of documents and other credentials. Now, where are the rules and regulations? And why is it trying to nip the whole episode in the bud?

The commission surely needs to fix its functioning machinery that needs to work in compliance with its own set of rules. It is not just a matter of corruption. It is also a matter of having some respect for the years of struggle that is put in by most aspirants in the hope of having a fair chance. Are they not being ditched?

Ali Raza
Nankana Sahib

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2024