Hundreds of waiting-list candidates appeal to KP governor, police chief and Home Department to end uncertainty over recruitment
By Aftab Hussain
SHANGLA: Hundreds of unemployed young people in Shangla who have been placed on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police recruitment waiting list have appealed to the provincial government and senior police authorities to appoint eligible candidates against vacant posts strictly on merit.
The candidates said they had successfully completed the required recruitment stages, including written examinations, interviews, physical fitness tests, running tests and clearance procedures, but were still awaiting appointments despite fulfilling the prescribed requirements.
They urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the Inspector General of Police and the provincial Home Department to address their concerns and announce a clear policy regarding appointments from the waiting list.
According to the candidates, the identification of vacant police posts following the emergency situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has renewed their hopes of securing employment.
They maintained that candidates who had already qualified through the recruitment process should be considered on a priority basis for available positions in accordance with departmental rules and merit requirements.
The waiting-list candidates said they had invested considerable time and effort in completing the recruitment process and deserved fair consideration for appointment against existing vacancies.
Unemployment adds to hardships in Shangla
Highlighting the economic challenges facing the district, the candidates said limited employment opportunities and the absence of major industries had forced many young people to seek work outside Shangla.
They described Shangla as a remote, mountainous district of Malakand Division where a lack of local employment opportunities had compelled numerous families to depend on income earned in other provinces.
According to the candidates, many young people from Shangla travel to Balochistan, Punjab and other parts of the country to work in coal mines and related mining activities to support their families.
They expressed concern over the dangerous working conditions in the mining sector, citing risks associated with mine collapses, suffocation and workplace accidents.
The candidates said several young workers from Shangla had lost their lives in mining accidents over the years, leaving their families facing emotional distress and financial difficulties.
They maintained that employment in government departments, particularly the police, could provide young people with a safer and more stable source of income while reducing their dependence on hazardous occupations.
Candidates seek merit-based recruitment
The applicants said appointments against vacant police posts would not only provide employment to qualified candidates but also offer financial relief to families struggling with unemployment and economic uncertainty.
They appealed to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the provincial police chief and the Home Department to review the recruitment process and consider waiting-list candidates from Shangla for available vacancies.
The candidates stressed that they were not seeking preferential treatment but wanted appointments strictly in accordance with merit, recruitment regulations and the eligibility criteria established by the Police Department.
They said their successful completion of the written, physical and other required tests demonstrated their eligibility for consideration.
The applicants also demanded that the authorities clarify the status of the waiting list and establish a transparent procedure for filling vacant positions.
They said prolonged uncertainty had caused frustration among candidates who had been waiting for an opportunity to begin their professional careers.
Youth express willingness to serve in police force
The candidates reiterated their commitment to serving in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and contributing to the maintenance of law and order.
They said they wanted to protect citizens’ lives and property, serve their communities and perform their duties with dedication and integrity.
The applicants maintained that their willingness to join the police force had motivated them to complete the recruitment process despite the challenges involved.
They expressed hope that the provincial authorities would recognise their concerns and take practical steps to resolve the matter.
Local circles support recruitment demand
Public and social circles in Shangla also supported the candidates’ demand, urging the government to consider eligible waiting-list applicants for vacant police positions in accordance with the rules.
They said providing employment opportunities to local youth could help address unemployment and poverty in the economically disadvantaged district.
Community representatives maintained that government employment could provide financial stability to families whose members currently depend on hazardous work in the mining sector.
The waiting-list candidates urged the provincial government and police authorities to end the uncertainty surrounding their recruitment by announcing a clear policy and ensuring transparent, merit-based appointments against available vacancies.
They expressed hope that the concerned authorities would take notice of their appeal and provide eligible candidates with an opportunity to serve in the police force.