Questions raised over transparency and merit despite candidate’s high score
by: Ayaz Ali
KARACHI: The recruitment process of the Combined Competitive Examination 2018 (CCE-2018), conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission, has once again come under criticism, with concerns being raised over alleged irregularities, lack of transparency and questions surrounding merit-based appointments.
A candidate from Jacobabad, Salahuddin Bhutto, has claimed that despite securing what he described as a strong overall score in both the written examination and viva voce, he was not allocated a post in the final selection process.
According to documents and mark sheets available with the candidate, Mr Bhutto obtained notable marks in subjects including English, Sindhi, General Paper, Islamic History, International Relations and Public Administration.
Sources said the candidate secured 551 marks in the written examination and 105 marks in the interview, bringing his aggregate score to 656. However, despite the overall result, he was not included among the selected candidates, prompting concerns over the fairness of the allocation process.
Mr Bhutto stated that he generally refrains from commenting on the functioning of the commission, but decided to speak out after allegedly facing injustice himself. He alleged that deserving candidates were being sidelined, while some applicants were awarded unusually high interview scores that significantly affected the final outcome.
He further claimed that allegations regarding influence, favouritism and financial demands had surfaced at different stages of the recruitment process, although he maintained that his demand was solely for justice on merit.
Meanwhile, his father, Jameel Bhutto, a recently retired Grade-19 Chief Research Officer, also alleged that financial demands were made during the allocation and interview stages of the process.
The matter has triggered debate on social media and among academic circles, where students and young professionals have expressed concern that if merit and transparency are undermined by influence and recommendations, the value of higher education and hard work would be severely affected.
Several educational and civil society circles in Sindh have called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the entire CCE-2018 recruitment and allocation process to establish facts and ensure justice for affected candidates.
Political and social figures have also urged the Government of Sindh and the Sindh Public Service Commission to take notice of the allegations and ensure transparency and merit in public recruitment, warning that growing frustration among educated youth could lead to wider social unrest if concerns remain unaddressed.
