IHC issues stay order against NTS test

Islamabad
Justice Athar Minallah of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) here on Wednesday issued stay order regarding recruitments in Islamabad Police through National Testing Service (NTS).
The IHC Bench also issued notices to the Ministry of Interior seeking reply while observing that the reply must be submitted till next date of hearing and in case it is not submitted, the court could direct the Ministry of Interior secretary to appear in person.
Justice Athar Minallah, while hearing the case, observed that with the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in place, how come a private institution could hold test for recruitments in government sector organisations.
This is a public interest litigation where important legal points have been raised. The court will adjudicate in this matter after listening from all sides, the IHC bench observed.
A petitioner, Kazim Abbas, through his counsel Syed Muhammad Tayyab, had filed a petition before the IHC against recruitment of constables and assistant sub-inspectors in Islamabad Police through NTS test.
The legal counsel of the petitioner argued before the court that it is beyond comprehension how could a private firm hold tests for recruitment in government sector organisations.
For every single employment opportunity, thousands of candidates submit applications and NTS charge them Rs650 on account of fee. Moreover, with public service commission in place what is the legal value of NTS, the petitioner’s counsel further argued.
The legal counsel of the NTS argued before the court that they held test following instructions of the Ministry of Interior. The court then issued stay orders and put off case with date in office.