Pakistan Agricultural Research Council suspends officers over ‘recruitment irregularities’

Pakistan Agricultural Research Council suspends officers over 'recruitment irregularities'.

Key points

• Bakhtawar Mian Published August 26, 2026 Updated August 26, 2026 08: 18am.
• The session, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij.
• Bakhtawar Mian is a Dawn reporter based in Islamabad with over 27 years of experience in journalism.
• The committee was additionally briefed on the National Oilseed Policy and the country's growing edible oil import bill.
• Senator Ahsan expressed concern over the challenges confronting domestic edible oil production and pressed practical steps to boost local output.

Bakhtawar Mian Published August 26, 2026 Updated August 26, 2026 08: 18am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has suspended a number of officers over their alleged involvement in irregularities in the organisation's recruitment process, senior office-holders of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research informed a Senate committee on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the authorities informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research that an inquiry under the Efficiency and Disciplinary Rules had additionally been initiated against the officers. The committee was further informed that the matter was at present sub judice.

In practice, the session, chaired by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, was attended by Senator Poonjo Bheel and Senator Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Umer Gorgaij.

Notably, the committee expressed serious concern over the failure to submit the required written reply and relevant record concerning the alleged recruitment irregularities. Members additionally discussed the plight of candidates who had applied for PARC vacancies but were now approaching the upper age limit.

For context, the committee recommended exploring a mechanism that would allow such candidates to participate in future PARC recruitment drives even if they subsequently exceed the prescribed age limit, so as to protect their interests.

Members additionally stressed that the prescribed provincial quota must be implemented throughout all posts, including lower-grade positions. Authorities stated the required codal formalities for implementing the provincial quota had been completed and assured the committee that the quota would be enforced.

Meanwhile, the committee was additionally briefed on the National Oilseed Policy and the country's growing edible oil import bill. Authorities stated the federal administration was planning measures to rise domestic oilseed production, with particular emphasis on olive cultivation.

He directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report covering progress created over the past three years, PSDP projects, initiatives related to olive oil production and future aims to growth domestic oilseed production.­. Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2026.

Bakhtawar Mian is a Dawn reporter based in Islamabad with over 27 years of experience in journalism. He covers social problems and handles special assignments for the publication.

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