THE Election Commission of Pakistan advertised the vacancy for the post of director, public relations (BPS-19), on Feb 9, 2011, through the print media.

Obviously, a number of candidates fulfilling the criteria applied for the position. I was also one of the applicants.

Subsequently, a written test was held on July 21, 2011, at the ECP House, Islamabad. Ironically, the paper given to the candidates seemed as if it was to check the grammar of the candidates instead of evaluating their ability and relevant knowledge in public relations and media-handling.

The paper appeared to have been prepared by a person who was not aware of the basics of the subject as nothing was asked specific to the topic. Later, it came to my notice that a lecturer of English from a Peshawar-based college was selected for the above post who did not meet the requirement of ‘12 years working experience in public/international relations/media, holding post in BPS-17 and above or equivalent in a government department/organisation.’

This was a gross procedural discrepancy on part of the ECP in violation of service rules and regulations.

This shows how deserving candidates are discouraged.

MUHAMMAD YOUSAF (Applicant) Rawalpindi