Thousands of candidates for SST teaching posts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have expressed concern over the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission’s decision to set Peshawar as the examination centre for applicants from across the province.

Candidates from Hazara Division and other remote districts say the KPPSC exam centre arrangement has created financial, travel and safety difficulties, particularly for women and unemployed applicants who must travel long distances to appear in the test.

According to candidates, applicants from Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Chitral and other far-flung areas face hours of travel to reach Peshawar. They said the cost of transport, food and possible accommodation has become an additional burden at a time of high inflation.

Women candidates have raised separate concerns over long-distance travel, saying many will need to be accompanied by a family member. They said this would increase both expenses and logistical difficulties for families.

Candidates also said the current weather conditions and long travel time could affect their physical and mental readiness before the examination. They argued that reaching the test centre after a tiring journey may place applicants from distant districts at a disadvantage.

The concerns were raised by candidates and local voices, including Aasif Mahmood Awan from Abbottabad, who appealed to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to take notice of the matter.

The candidates have requested that KPPSC establish additional examination centres in Hazara Division, including Abbottabad or Haripur, as well as other regions of the province to reduce travel pressure on applicants.

They said the process of seeking employment should not become financially or physically difficult for poor and deserving youth.

Candidates urged the provincial authorities and KPPSC to review the centre allocation policy and make arrangements that provide equal access to applicants from all districts.

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