IHC questions forces quota in civil service

Directs FPSC to submit report and para-wise comments in response to its questions

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to furnish a report on the criteria on the basis of which serving officers of army, air force and navy are inducted into the civil service.

The IHC’s Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui also issued a notice to the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP), noting that the matter is delicate in nature and requires proper assistance.

A total of six questions came up during hearing of a petition of Shahid Amin – an employee of an intelligence agency working under the Ministry of Defence. Amin through his counsel Rana Umar Iqbal had challenged the decision of his department barring him from sitting the civil service exam.

“On which basis serving army, air force and naval officers are inducted into the Civil Service?” was Justice Siddiqui’s first query.

He also enquired if some quota is fixed for the officer of armed forces and if the answer is yes then do they compete with other candidates participating in Central Superior Service (CSS) examination.

In addition, he asked, whether their status as retired officers entitles them to receive pensionary benefits etc, for service already rendered by them on their selection in the CSS.



“What is the criterion of the release of a cadet from Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, and others, when cadet opts to leave during course,” Justice Siddiqui’s question No 4 said.

The question No 5 asked how much amount is received from cadet before he is allowed to leave while question No 6 asked the FPSC chairman how much cost the state of Pakistan bears in producing a major or captain, and whether this cost is recovered from them on opting to leave and joining civil service.

When the case was taken up, the petitioner’s counsel sought the court’s permission to implead as respondent the Ministry of Defence’s secretary. The court allowed the request.

It has earlier been reported that the officials of the armed forces enter the civil services through a separate process devised for young military officers, bypassing the CSS examination. Under this system, 10% seats are given to armed forces in the Pakistan Administrative Services, foreign and police services.

In the order, Justice Siddiqui directed the respondents to submit report and para-wise comments within a fortnight. With these directions and questions, the court adjourned the case till May 14.