Crisis deepens in KP Public Service Commission

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Public Service Commission (KPPSC) is facing a severe crisis, with only three members currently serving out of the required eleven, although the chairman remains in place.

As a result, over 6,000 candidates are still awaiting their interviews, and the recruitment process is increasingly slowing down.

The delay is not only disrupting the internal operations of the commission but also adversely affecting recruitment across various provincial government departments, leaving applicants in deep uncertainty and distress.

Recently, Commission Member Razia Sultana resigned from her post after being appointed Vice Chancellor of Women University, Mardan. Sources say her resignation was primarily due to the uncompetitive salary package and lack of incentives offered to commission members.

Sources further revealed that a summary for the appointment of five new members has already been approved, and the chief minister has formally advised the Governor, who is the appointing authority under the law, to appoint them. However, for the past two weeks, the Governor’s signature on the file is awaited, further delaying critical recruitment processes. Well-placed officials also cited the salary gap as a major deterrent. While a BPS-19 government officer currently earns approximately Rs350,000 a month, KPPSC members are paid just Rs240,000, and the chairman receives Rs340,000. These figures are widely regarded as insufficient for the level of responsibility involved, making it difficult to attract competent professionals to these posts.