Allegations have surfaced regarding the appointment of newly inducted Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) in the police department. A large segment of the public is raising serious questions, asserting that these appointments were not made on merit but were influenced by financial considerations and extraneous factors.
It is particularly alarming that such accusations are being levelled against the Sindh Public Service Commission, a constitutional body entrusted with the sacred duty of ensuring transparency, impartiality and meritocracy in recruitment. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the Commission’s credibility has been questioned. In the past, multiple petitions have been filed in the courts challenging its recruitment processes on the grounds of arbitrariness, favouritism and violation of merit.
From a legal standpoint, any recruitment tainted with allegations of corruption or nepotism is a violation of Article 4 (Right of Individuals to be dealt with in accordance with law), Article 18 (Freedom of Trade, Business, or Profession) and, most importantly, Article 25 (Equality of Citizens) of the Constitution.
In the event that the present allegations prove true, such actions would not only erode public confidence in state institutions but would also amount to a denial of the fundamental right to equal opportunity in public employment. The superior courts have consistently held that “public office is a trust” and that appointments made in disregard of merit and fairness are liable to be struck down as void ab initio.
The credibility of state institutions, particularly those entrusted with the future of our youth, cannot be compromised. A transparent and merit-based system is the only safeguard against disillusionment, social unrest and erosion of public trust.
Riaz Ali Panhwar
Hyderabad
