How people associated with banned outfits get hired in govt departments?

ISLAMABAD: An investigation report has revealed that approximately 1,400 individuals listed on the Fourth Schedule – a register designated for those suspected of affiliations with extremist entities, banned outfits or accused of fomenting public unrest – are in Punjab, the largest populated province of Pakistan.

Recently, the Punjab home ministry compiled a comprehensive report detailing the credentials of these individuals enlisted in the Fourth Schedule.

According to official documents, the provincial government has employed 26 individuals in various government departments who are also included in the Fourth Schedule. These employees work in various departments including the police, education, health, and district administration.

The official report also indicated that 16 individuals are currently serving in different departments, while eight individuals have retired upon completing their tenures. Moreover, two individuals with ongoing cases against them have been dismissed from their jobs.

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In response to concerns over the employment of individuals linked to banned outfits, Punjab’s Caretaker Information Minister Aamir Mir, emphasised, “It’s not as if individuals associated with banned organizations are deliberately hired. People evolve in their lives, changing their religious and other preferences. Government appointments follow a proper process, with a decision taken after thorough scrutiny of allegations. The inclusion in the Fourth Schedule prompts immediate inquiry.”

According to Urdu News, Mir further clarified, “The law in Pakistan dictates that individuals on the Fourth Schedule are those who pose a threat to public safety. Such individuals are required to report to the relevant police station once a month. The Fourth Schedule operates like a watchlist.”

The Punjab home ministry’s documentation reveals that new surety bonds have been obtained from employees included in the Fourth Schedule, and their supervision is ongoing. The report also notes that out of the total 1,400 individuals, approximately 100 remain unidentified.

Highlighting the complexity of identifying these individuals during recruitment, Aamir Mir recalled, “Identifying such individuals during the hiring process is challenging. You might recall that the perpetrator of Salman Taseer’s assassination was also a police employee. “

Similarly, the attackers on former president Pervez Musharraf hailed from the Pakistan Air Force. However, the avenues for such recruitments have significantly diminished.”