THE inefficiency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (AJKPSC), coupled with an equally inefficient state machinery, has been ruining the lives and shattering the dreams of educated youth of the region.

The AJKPSC does not conduct examinations deliberately for various vacant posts.

The last time it conducted competitive examinations for the posts of assistant superintendents of police (ASPs) and assistant commissioners (ACs) was back in 2015.

In the intervening period, almost a dozens of similar positions have fallen vacant, but instead of sending a summary to AJKPSC for the advertisement of posts and conduct of competitive examinations, the government has knowingly made ad hoc appointments.

This has been done by promoting employees of lower ranks who would struggle to pass the test for even a primary teacher’s slot.

Resultantly, tehsildars have become deputy commissioners and secretaries of various departments, and assistant sub-inspectors have arisen to deputy inspectors-general. Bad governance is making sure that the future is marked by worse governance.

It is the duty of AJKPSC to conduct the examinations regularly, but it has failed miserably, which has added to the frustrations of the area’s youth. Hundreds of thousands have already fled the area for the sake of a better future. Those who cannot afford to do that are waiting for the commission to do the needful.

Sohail Amin
Kotli

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2023