BAJAUR: The Forest Department in Bajaur has rejected allegations circulating on social media regarding the recruitment of forest guards, maintaining that the process was completed in accordance with prescribed rules, procedures and merit-based selection criteria.
In an official clarification, the department explained the recruitment stages, the preparation of the final merit list and the issuance of appointment orders, urging candidates and the public to rely on verified information rather than unsubstantiated claims.
155 Candidates Interviewed for 31 Open-Merit Posts
According to the department, vacancies for 31 forest guards under the open-merit category and four posts reserved for minorities were advertised in newspapers.
Physical tests and computer-based examinations were conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA). An initial merit list was subsequently prepared on the basis of the results provided by the testing agency and shared with candidates to allow any potential errors to be identified and corrected.
The department said no objections to the initial merit list had been submitted to the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC).
Under the applicable rules, between three and five candidates could be called for an interview against each vacancy. Accordingly, 155 candidates were invited for interviews for the 31 open-merit positions, providing a wider pool of applicants for assessment, the department stated.
Final Selection Based on Overall Performance
The department clarified that final selection was not determined solely by ETEA examination scores or academic qualifications. Instead, candidates were assessed according to the prescribed selection criteria, including their interview performance.
It said candidates were awarded marks based on their performance in interviews, and their final positions were determined by the results of the relevant recruitment stages and the applicable criteria.
Consequently, a candidate’s position on the initial merit list did not necessarily guarantee the same position in the final list, the department explained.
The departmental selection committee subsequently prepared its recommendations based on candidates’ overall performance.
31 Candidates Recommended for Appointment
Addressing reports that appointment orders had been issued to only 30 candidates, the department said the selection committee had recommended a total of 31 candidates.
However, the appointment of one candidate whose age exceeds the prescribed limit is conditional upon obtaining the required age relaxation under the applicable rules and submitting the relevant certificate. The appointment order for that candidate is therefore subject to formal approval of the age relaxation and fulfillment of the related requirements, the department said.
Four Minority-Quota Vacancies Remain Unfilled
The department also clarified that the four posts advertised under the minority quota remain vacant for the time being.
According to the statement, the results provided by ETEA did not identify any candidates who had qualified in the relevant test for these positions, preventing appointments from being made against the reserved vacancies.
Department Invites Evidence-Based Complaints
Reaffirming its stated zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, the Forest Department urged candidates to report any demand for money, improper recommendations or other unlawful benefits linked to recruitment.
Candidates can submit written complaints, supported by verifiable evidence, to the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Bajaur. The department said complaints would be reviewed and appropriate action taken under the law and relevant rules if allegations were substantiated.
The department also appealed to the public, candidates and social media users to avoid circulating unverified information and to approach the relevant office if they have genuine objections regarding any stage of the recruitment process.
It maintained that transparency, fair competition and adherence to the law remain its stated priorities, adding that legitimate complaints can be examined through the relevant official channels.
