KP Assembly panel moves to reform public service commission, seeks timely recruitment

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Resource Management on Thursday discussed key reforms aimed at strengthening the Public Service Commission and ensuring merit-based, timely recruitment across provincial departments

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Resource Management on Thursday discussed key reforms aimed at strengthening the Public Service Commission and ensuring merit-based, timely recruitment across provincial departments.

The meeting, held at the Provincial Assembly Secretariat and chaired by Member Provincial Assembly, Abdul Muneem, was attended by committee members including Arif Ahmadzai, Fateh-ul-Mulk, Mehar Sultana, Aiman Jalil Jan, Shazia Tahmas Khan, Ashbar Jan Jadoon, Jamila Paracha, Khadija Bibi, and Arifa Bibi. Senior officials from the Human Resource Management Department, Law Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (KPPSC), and Assembly Secretariat were also present.

The committee held detailed deliberations on proposed amendments to the law governing the KPPSC, particularly focusing on improving the process for the appointment of commission members and enhancing institutional autonomy, said a press release.

Officials presented a comprehensive briefing, highlighting the commission’s role in conducting Provincial Management Service (PMS) and other competitive examinations, as well as ensuring merit-based selection of qualified candidates for government departments.

Chairman Abdul Muneem emphasized upon the need to make the commission more effective and independent by aligning its laws, rules, and regulations with legal requirements.

He said the proposed reforms would strengthen transparency and merit in recruitment, ensuring that capable candidates were inducted into public service.

The committee directed the department to expedite necessary legal amendments to the KPPSC Act to facilitate the appointment of members and enable the commission to conduct examinations within stipulated timelines, preventing delays that affect candidates.

During the meeting, concerns were also raised regarding the recruitment of management cadre doctors in the Health Department.

Responding to a query by MPA Fateh-ul-Mulk, KPPSC officials stated that a large number of candidates fail to qualify under the existing recruitment pattern provided by the Health Department, resulting in unfilled vacancies.

Taking notice, the chairman directed the Assembly’s Special Secretary to invite the Secretary Health to the next meeting and present workable proposals to address the issue.

He stressed upon the need for a joint strategy to ensure that vacant posts would be filled strictly on merit while making the recruitment process more effective.

The committee reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and meritocracy in public sector hiring across the province.