PESHAWAR – Serious questions have once again been raised over the governance structure, merit system, and service rules in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the Provincial Management Service (PMS) Association has strongly objected to the continued appointment of deputationists in key positions while regular PMS officers remain sidelined. According to a press release issued by the PMS Association (No. 76/EC/PMSA) dated January 6, 2026, at least 30 officers from various departments are currently working on deputation in the Civil Secretariat and its attached formations on sanctioned posts, whereas regularly recruited, trained, and promoted PMS officers have been declared Officers on Special Duty (OSDs).
The Association stated that despite repeatedly communicating the legal and moral position regarding deputation appointments in clear and unambiguous terms, the concerned quarters have continued to violate service rules and infringe upon the rights of career civil servants. The press release describes deputation as a system where officers often remain dependent on those who facilitate their placement, resulting in loyalty to individuals rather than adherence to law and institutional discipline.
Highlighting the broader implications, the PMS Association warned that such practices undermine neutrality, professionalism, and the integrity of the civil service. While reaffirming its belief in fair career progression and a structured service framework for all cadres, the Association categorically stated that it would stand firmly against distortion of rules, erosion of merit, and selective favoritism. Clarifying the purpose of deputation, the Association emphasized that deputation is not meant to reward blue-eyed officers, but is intended only to address genuine shortages of human resources or to meet specific legal and technical requirements.
In this context, reference was made to the Peshawar High Court judgment in Writ Petition No. 1384-A, which clearly held that a borrowing department must first establish the existence of an exigency and then demonstrate that the deputationist possesses matching qualifications, relevant expertise, and adequate experience. The Association regretted that despite the availability of competent PMS officers—who were recruited, trained, and promoted precisely for these posts—many are currently awaiting postings in the Establishment Department, while deputationists continue to occupy key positions in blatant violation of rules, regulations, and merit principles. Calling for immediate corrective measures, the PMS Association urged the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to revert and repatriate all deputationists to their respective parent departments. The press release clearly warned that failure to do so would leave the Association with no option but to exercise its right to agitation and demand accountability.
