Justice Qazi Faez Isa on Job Quotas in Government
Justice Qazi Faez Isa has criticized the practice of reserving government jobs for bureaucrats’ children, calling for a shift to transparent, merit-based hiring. He emphasized that statutory regulatory orders (SROs) issued without proper authority violate the constitutional principle of non-discrimination. The Supreme Court has ordered the withdrawal of any SROs that breach merit-based practices. For more details, visit our Pakistan News section.
Historical Trends in Government Job Quotas in Pakistan
The issue of job quotas in Pakistan has been controversial for decades. Historically, governments have used SROs to reserve government jobs for specific groups, including bureaucrats’ children. Initially, quotas aimed to promote diversity and representation; however, critics argue they have often led to favoritism. According to a 2019 Public Service Commission report, about 20% of federal jobs were filled through quotas rather than merit.
Impact of Quotas on Merit-Based Hiring
The use of quotas has significantly affected merit-based hiring. A World Bank report highlights that Pakistan’s public sector employs nearly 18% of the formal workforce. However, a large portion of these jobs are filled through quotas, undermining public trust and governance. A survey by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) revealed that 64% of respondents felt that government job allocations were not based on merit.
Supreme Court’s Stance on Quotas
The Supreme Court, led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has ordered the withdrawal of SROs that undermine merit. This decision aims to restore fairness and transparency in public service recruitment. For more on the court’s stance, read this Dawn analysis.
Implications for Future Hiring Practices
This ruling emphasizes merit-based recruitment to uphold justice and equality in Pakistan’s Constitution. The government may need to review and reform current hiring practices to align with the Court’s directive.
