Balochistan Teachers’ Recruitment “Mega Scandal” Exposed: Failed Candidates Given Top Positions

Quetta: Another shocking chapter has been added to Balochistan’s educational history as a large-scale corruption mega scandal in the recruitment of more than 8,000 teachers has come to light, exposing the blatant violation of merit and manipulation of examination results.

The scandal is linked to the recruitment tests conducted under the supervision of Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU), Quetta, where hundreds of candidates who had failed the test were not only declared successful but were also awarded top positions and appointment letters.

Documentary Evidence Emerges

According to an investigative report by Aaj News Bureau Chief Mujeeb Ahmed, solid documentary evidence has surfaced, including original answer sheets and exam keys of 600 candidates. These candidates had scored poorly in the tests but were later shown as successful in the final merit lists.

The documents reveal shocking manipulation: in several cases, candidates who scored as low as 18 marks were artificially awarded 54 marks or more through tampering, pushing their aggregate above the required 60 percent and making them eligible for recruitment.

Province-Wide Irregularities

The rigging was not limited to Quetta alone. Evidence suggests that similar manipulation took place across the province, including Turbat, Pishin, Qalat, Khuzdar, Panjgur, Kharan, Noshki, and Dalbandin, indicating a province-wide operation.

Recruitment Timeline and Official Actions

In 2023, around 200,000 candidates applied for 8,960 teaching positions.

Following complaints, the Balochistan High Court froze the recruitment process in December 2023.

In March 2024, the Supreme Court lifted the ban and directed authorities to ensure transparency.

In May 2024, the provincial cabinet approved contractual appointments and removed SBKWU Vice Chancellor Sajida Noreen over allegations of irregularities.

Organized Corruption Network

Despite the removal of the vice chancellor, the investigation suggests that the core corruption network remains intact. The report questions the silence of anti-corruption agencies and NAB, noting that only superficial scrutiny was carried out and that answer sheets were never properly examined, allowing the scandal to remain hidden for months.

Public Outrage and Demands

Capable and deserving candidates across Balochistan have expressed deep anger and frustration, saying the recruitment of failed candidates has not only destroyed merit but also laid the foundation for the collapse of the education system.

Civil society groups and affected candidates have urged the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the higher judiciary to order a forensic audit of the recruitment process based on the 600 answer sheets and to ensure strict punishment for all individuals involved in the scandal.

They warn that unless decisive action is taken, public trust in the education system and government claims of transparency will continue to erode.