LAYYAH, Oct 29: The future of 20 foresters hangs in the balance as the medical superintendent of DHQ Hospital has refused to issue medical fitness certificates to them allegedly on the directions of the district nazim.

Reports said the provincial forest department had advertised 13 posts of forest guards, three each of forest officers and watchmen and one of a sweeper for Layyah district on Aug 18 this year.

After test and interviews, all the selected candidates were issued appointment letters on Oct 12 and their joining date was Oct 20. Each selected candidate was required to obtain a medical fitness certificate from the DHQ hospital, but the MS refused to issue certificates to them.

Three `lucky’ candidates got medical certificates along with forest guard Sajid Abbas who was issued appointment letter on Oct 22 and he secured medical fitness certificate on Oct 24.

When contacted medical superintendent Dr. Muhammad Sadiq maintained that certificates were not being issued on verbal directions from the Chief Minister Secretariat and district Nazim Malik Ghulam Haider Thind.

When asked about the four people who had obtained fitness certificates, he said the same were issued on the directions of the district nazim.

Meanwhile, district forest officer Sheikh Muhammad Azam said: “After the lapse of the joining date, their jobs hang in the balance.”

Mr Azam said he was seeking guidance from higher authorities in the matter.