Islamabad: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has referred the case of alleged illegal appointments in the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation, raising serious questions over hiring practices

PARC Chairman Dr. Ghulam Ali appeared before the committee to address concerns raised in an audit report. According to audit officials, while PARC had advertised 164 vacancies, 332 individuals were posted - more than double the advertised positions. The audit further revealed that proper documentation, including domicile certificates, was not provided for those appointed, and provincial and regional quotas were ignored during the recruitment process.

PAC Chairman Mr. Junaid Akbar expressed concern over thappointments from only five districts, which reportedly accounted for 29% of the total hires. He emphasized the need for equitable hiring across the country, especially in a federally funded organisation.

PAC member Sheikh Waqas Akram pressed for clarification regarding Dr. Ghulam Ali's tenure, asking whether the Islamabad High Court had declared his position vacant. In response, the PARC Chairman confirmed the court's decision but noted that he had filed an appeal with the division bench.

Sheikh Waqas also questioned PARC's overall performance, pointing out the dire state of the agricultural sector. 'Farmers are setting their standing crops on fire in despair, and instead of offering support, institutions like PARC are appointing relatives,' he said.

Given the seriousness of the accusations, PAC ordered a formal inquiry by the FIA to ascertain the legality and transparency of the appointments made under Dr. Ghulam Ali's leadership.