The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government appointed seven members to the Public Service Commission for three-year terms [1], [2].
The timing of these appointments has sparked a political row in Muzaffarabad. Critics argue that filling long-term administrative roles immediately before a change in government undermines the neutrality of the civil service.
The appointments were made by the incumbent Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government [1]. According to reports, the move occurred only days before the administration was scheduled to exit from power [1]. The new members will serve a term of three years [2].
Opposition parties have raised concerns regarding the propriety of the decision. They said the timing suggests an attempt to influence the administrative landscape ahead of upcoming elections [1], [2].
The Public Service Commission is responsible for the recruitment of civil servants. By appointing seven members [1] at the end of its mandate, the PPP government ensures its nominees remain in place long after the party has left office. This has led to accusations that the government is attempting to secure institutional influence, a move the opposition describes as a violation of political norms [2].
Government officials have not provided a detailed justification for the timing of the appointments. The move remains a point of contention as the region prepares for the transition of power [1].
“The AJK government appointed seven members to the Public Service Commission for three-year terms.”
These appointments represent a strategic effort by the outgoing PPP administration to maintain a footprint within the AJK bureaucracy. By filling the Public Service Commission with loyalists just before leaving office, the party secures influence over future civil service hiring for three years, potentially limiting the ability of the incoming government to implement its own administrative reforms.
