Govt’s job quota offer to MQM worries Sindh-based think tank

KARACHI – The Sindh Democratic Forum (SDF) – a Sindh-based political think tank comprising intellectuals, educationists, thinkers, economists, writers, professionals and concerned citizens – has expressed grave concern over the recent announcement by the Sindh government to allocate 50 percent of its job quota to the MQM.
The SDF would start a series of protests throughout the province if the PPP does not immediately reverse its decision, said a statement issued on Sunday.
SDF leaders held a meeting in which they observed that the provincial government’s announcement not only contradicts provisions of the Constitution, but it is also inconsistent with principles of human rights as it usurps the constitutional share of the poor and downtrodden population of the rural areas of the province.
SDF leaders also expressed their concern over the recent wave of targeted killing in Karachi and the overall deteriorating law and order situation in Sindh and demanded that the government should ensure the writ of law in the province.
“It is surprising that PPP’s coalition partners are demanding for law and order to be maintained in Karachi when in fact, they are part of the government themselves. Who are they making this demand from?” they questioned.
The SDF is of the view that instead of ensuring that jobs are given on merit and writ of law prevails, the PPP is bribing its coalition partners by offering them illegal job quotas, development funds and precious land of the province, the statement said.
“The Constitution provides provisions for ensuring appointments in service purely on prescribed merit criteria and procedures for transparent recruitment. As such, no political party can be given any quota or share as the booty for a political settlement,” the statement stated.
“Giving jobs on quota to a political party means killing merit. During previous regimes, people were given government jobs on political recommendations and this is a major cause of corruption and disarray in the public sector,” it added.