Muzaffarabad: AJK High Court has restored third party act-2021 to ensure transparency and merit in government jobs.

The court has ordered all the appointments above grade-7 will be made in all government departments and subordinate offices through third party on NTS pattern.

This system is aimed at promoting merit and ability so that no room is left for partiality, nepotism and political influence therein.

The court maintained all the departments and autonomous bodies should adopt third party testing system compulsory for appointments in future. Under it written tests and interviews of all candidates will be held through neutral institution.

Third party act-2021 was approved by AJK legislative assembly for transparent appointments. However PTI government had revoked it in 2023. Later doubts arose on the procedure of appointments in different departments.

Political and social circles have termed this decision a major step towards restoration of transparency and merit.

Earlier AJK high court had given decision of abolishing quota system which was termed historical step for supremacy of merit.