Afridi orders speedy PSC recruitments

K-P chief minister directs full digitisation, faster hiring, and merit-based reforms in service commission

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has directed the provincial Public Service Commission (PSC) to accelerate the recruitment process while ensuring strict adherence to merit and transparency.

Chairing a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister's House, Afridi emphasized the adoption of an "out-of-the-box policy" to make recruitments faster, more efficient, and free from bureaucratic delays.

The Chief Minister instructed the Commission to increase the number of daily interviews and complete pending recruitment cases within the shortest possible time.

He also ordered the Administration and Establishment Department and the PSC to ensure the announcement of new Provincial Management Service (PMS) vacancies by January 2026, directing both departments to begin preparations immediately.

Afridi said the government was fully committed to implementing reforms in line with the vision of former prime minister Imran Khan, focusing on meritocracy, transparency, and digital governance. He directed that all PSC functions, including examinations and interview systems, be fully digitized to eliminate unnecessary human intervention and curb the culture of favoritism and personal recommendations.

"We are digitizing all processes to eliminate undue human interference and end the culture of recommendations. The government will fulfill all requirements of the Public Service Commission on a priority basis to ensure convenience for the public," the Chief Minister stated.

Afridi said the provincial government would increase investment to strengthen the PSC as a more effective and autonomous institution capable of handling modern administrative challenges. He added that the efficient use of technology would improve both performance and transparency across the board.

During the meeting, PSC officials gave a detailed briefing on the Commission's performance, functions, and challenges. The Chief Minister was informed that between 2022 and October 2025, the PSC issued 25 advertisements for recruitment in various provincial departments, covering a total of 6,917 vacancies.

The Commission conducted 434 ability tests and 17 competitive examinations, recommending 6,286 candidates for appointment in different departments. Officials also outlined ongoing reforms aimed at improving examination systems, processing efficiency, and candidate facilitation.

Afridi appreciated the Commission's efforts but urged it to further enhance capacity and efficiency to meet future demands. He reiterated that merit-based recruitment was essential for good governance and institutional integrity, adding that his government would provide all financial and logistical support required to strengthen the Commission's infrastructure.

Provincial cabinet members Mina Khan Afridi, Aftab Alam, and Muzammil Aslam, along with relevant administrative secretaries and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, attended the meeting.