ON May 10, a screening test for the post of primary school teachers was conducted by the relevant Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) testing agency in Bannu and D.I. Khan, which proved to be nothing but a farce. Before the test, director of the agency and the provincial education minister had assured all the candidates that meritocracy and transparency would be ensured, and that there would be fairness across the board. But that was not the case.

During the test, an assistant com-missioner raided a private guest house and arrested many individuals with question papers and answer sheets in their possession. They were ‘sitting’ the test in the comfort of the guest house. Initially, the KP chief minister took notice of the incident and formed an inquiry committee, but, as happens almost always, it all went in vain. Such practices have raised many questions regarding the impartiality of the department and the KP government.

It is the duty of provincial government and the testing agency to ensure meri-tocracy. They are playing with the emotions of thousands of hardworking candidates who studied day and night in order to have a better future, but now they are being deprived of their right to have employment on merit.

While the authorities concerned should take immediate measures to investigate and punish those who are involved in such malpractices and dishonesty, they must withhold the result and cancel the test.

A fresh screening test should be conducted if the government truly cares about transparency and meritocracy.

Asad Khan
Bannu

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2025