PAC flags alleged irregular KPT hiring of 1,200 staff

ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee has raised fresh concerns over recruitment practices at Karachi Port Trust, after audit officials told lawmakers that around 1,200 employees were appointed without due process in previous administrations.

The issue came under discussion during a PAC meeting chaired by MNA Moeen Pirzada, where members examined audit objections linked to recruitment and bonus payments at the port authority. According to the audit briefing reported by Dawn, the appointments were made without merit-based selection, public advertisements or compliance with the prescribed rules.

The Pakistan Port Trust recruitment case drew scrutiny over both the legality of the hiring process and the status of the staff already in place. Committee members asked what steps would be taken if the irregularities were confirmed, while Senator Bilal Mandokhail sought a breakdown of how many of the 1,200 employees were qualified and how many were not.

Some members also noted that removing such a large number of workers at once could be difficult. Audit officials told the committee that when show-cause notices were issued, many employees approached the courts, which complicated further action.

The committee was also told that Karachi Port Trust had not shared complete employee data with auditors. KPT Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed said people holding fake or bogus degrees had already been removed. PAC members, however, said the authorities should first confirm whether the employees actually existed before moving to questions of qualification.

At the end of the meeting, the committee directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to investigate the matter thoroughly and submit a report. It also asked for coordination with the National Accountability Bureau, signalling that the Karachi Port Trust recruitment matter may face further review.

The PAC discussion adds to long-running concerns about transparency and governance in public sector hiring. While the committee did not announce any immediate disciplinary action, its call for a detailed inquiry suggests the issue will remain under examination.

Pakistan has seen repeated parliamentary scrutiny of recruitment in state bodies, where questions about merit, record keeping and compliance often lead to audit objections. In this case, the central issue remains whether the Karachi Port Trust hiring process followed the rules or bypassed them entirely.

As reported by Dawn, the committee wants clearer documentation before deciding the next course of action.

FAQs

What did the PAC discuss about Karachi Port Trust?

The committee reviewed audit objections alleging that about 1,200 employees were recruited without due process.

Who was asked to investigate the matter?

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs was directed to investigate and submit a report, with coordination involving NAB.

Did KPT respond to the allegations?

KPT Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed said people with fake or bogus degrees had already been removed.