Bribes sway govt job postings

KARACHI: Securing a government job in Sindh through recommendations or bribes has long been a complaint, but a further problem is now being reported in the posting process after recruitment, according to details shared by affected employees and a social activist.

The issue affects people who have already received appointment or offer letters in different provincial departments but are still unable to get posted in their preferred locations without influence or money. Those who enter service on merit alone often do not have political backing or the means to pay, and are therefore posted far from their home districts.

One such case involved a young man from Hyderabad who recently obtained a Grade-17 position in the Agriculture Department. He said that after passing the examination, he wanted to be posted in Hyderabad, but was allegedly asked to pay a bribe. After he declined, he was assigned to an area near Umerkot, where he has been serving while his family remains in Hyderabad. He now believes he may still have to pay to secure a transfer to Hyderabad because he lacks political connections.

A young dentist appointed in the Health Department in Karachi said he received his offer letter but remained without a posting for a long period. When he contacted officials, he was told there was no vacancy in Karachi hospitals and that he would be assigned once a slot became available.

Different rates allegedly set for urban and rural postings

Sources said separate unofficial rates are allegedly in place for postings in urban and rural areas. Karachi and Hyderabad postings were said to carry higher rates, while rural assignments were described as cheaper by comparison.

Section officers and clerks in the Sindh Secretariat manage the system. Some individuals reportedly deal with them directly, while others use intermediaries. These informal agents were said to be operating both inside and outside the Secretariat.

Problems continue after appointment, activist says

Social activist Zulfiqar Qadri said employees continue to face difficulties even after formally joining service. Speaking about the process, he said: "After posting, they still need clearance for ID activation, which again involves recommendations or bribes. The problem continues even during promotions, when employees are transferred to remote areas."

Qadri also cited the case of a female doctor who was promoted to Grade-18 but became distressed after learning she might be posted to Kandhkot or Kashmore. He said that, as an unmarried woman unfamiliar with those areas, she was deeply worried about the possible transfer.

Attempts were made to obtain an official response from Farhat Janwiri, spokesperson for the Sindh chief secretary, but no comment could be obtained.