By Dr. Zardad Wazir
LOWER SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) in Lower South Waziristan have drawn a strong reaction, with concerns raised over merit, transparency and alleged discrimination in the hiring process.
Chairman of the Councilors Alliance of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Ahmad Wazir, described the alleged deprivation of local candidates, particularly the daughters of Lower Waziristan, of their rightful share as intolerable injustice and an irony.
Responding to a query from Daily Metro Morning, District Health Officer Dr Adnan Dawar said the recruitment process had been carried out strictly in line with directives issued by the Director General Health. He said the selection criteria included 70 per cent academic performance, 20 per cent ETEA test marks and 10 per cent chairman panel or interview marks. He added that the department had completed its work according to the prescribed guidelines.
However, reports suggested that serious concerns had emerged regarding the recruitment process. According to sources, there were seven sanctioned vacancies, but only five were reportedly advertised, raising questions over transparency.
It was also alleged that a non-local candidate who secured 53 marks in the ETEA test was preferred over a local candidate who obtained 59 marks. The advertisement had reportedly stated that preference would be given to local candidates, but this policy was allegedly not followed.
Documentary claims further suggested that local candidates were placed on the waiting list, while non-local candidates, including three from Upper Waziristan and one from Charsadda, were appointed.
Observers said the situation pointed towards a violation of merit and alleged discrimination against local female candidates. There were also reports of possible financial irregularities involving elements within the DHO office and other officials, though these claims remain unverified.
The affected parties have demanded an open and transparent inquiry, suspension and cancellation of all disputed appointments, public release of the complete merit list and strict legal action against those responsible.
They warned MPA Ajab Gul Wazir, the deputy commissioner of Lower South Waziristan, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health director general, the provincial health minister and the health secretary that failure to restore what they described as the rights of local candidates could trigger protests, sit-ins and legal action.
Ahmad Wazir said the matter was not a favour but a right, adding that the daughters of Lower South Waziristan were a matter of honour and their rights could not be taken away under any circumstances. He warned that the protest movement would intensify if immediate action was not taken.
Meanwhile, officials clarified that recruitment policy did not fall under district-level authority. They said such policies were formulated by the higher authorities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department, particularly the health secretary and the director general health, while district officials were bound to implement them.
They said merit was determined on the basis of 70 per cent academic qualifications, 20 per cent ETEA test marks and 10 per cent interview marks, with a representative of the Director General Health present during interviews to ensure transparency. In cases of equal marks, preference was given to local candidates, followed by interview marks, and then age.
Health officials added that all relevant documents had been submitted to the offices of the health secretary and director general health, and final appointment orders were issued only after approval from the competent authorities.
