By: Junaid Toru
The Provincial Doctors Association (PDA) has expressed deep concern over what it terms “gross irregularities” in the recent recruitment examination conducted by the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA) for the post of Medical Officer. The exam was held on June 14 and 15, 2025, across various centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dr. Qazi Shahbaz Mohyuddin, Senior Vice President of the PDA, told reporters that the examination lacked uniformity, transparency, and fairness, as candidates on each day were subjected to different formats of the same test. “On June 14, the paper included only multiple-choice questions (MCQs) worth 75 marks. However, on June 15, a 15-mark analytical section was suddenly introduced alongside the 75-mark MCQs,” he said, questioning the rationale behind administering two different formats for the same post.
According to the PDA, this abrupt change placed candidates appearing on June 15 at a disadvantage, especially as the analytical portion was not mentioned in any official syllabus or preparation guideline. Several candidates reportedly received the new format with only minutes to prepare before the exam commenced. Doctors’ representatives further stated that such practices not only compromise the credibility of the recruitment process but also risk demoralizing young medical professionals. “When selection criteria are altered mid-process, it shakes the candidates’ confidence in the system,” said Dr. Shahbaz.
The Association pointed out additional issues, including ambiguous questions, poor paper quality, and inadequate exam management. Some candidates reported confusion during paper distribution and time constraints while attempting analytical questions. Calling the process “academically unreliable and procedurally unjustified,” the PDA has made the following demands: A full inquiry into the conduct of the Medical Officer test by an independent authority. Immediate cancellation of both exam days due to lack of standardization. A single, uniform test for all applicants, based on a clear and published syllabus. The PDA warned that failure to address these concerns would prompt further action, including a press conference and possible legal recourse. “We seek fairness, not favoritism. The future of our medical workforce depends on how seriously these matters are taken,” said Dr. Shahbaz. The ETEA has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
