THIS is with reference to the recruitment process conducted by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) for the posts of assistant director and deputy director in the technical cadre. The written examination was held in July. I personally experienced certain irregularities that caused considerable disquiet.

These posts were advertised in 2024, and that process had advanced to the stage of shortlisting candidates for interviews before it was discontinued. A large number of aspirants were left without explanation or recourse. The fresh examination was entrusted to a privately-run testing service. Regrettably, its conduct fell well short of the standards expected of a process of such importance. The answer sheets carried neither a carbon copy nor any pre-printed roll number or name. The question paper envelopes did not appear to have been sealed, and the use of mobile phones was witnessed at several centres.

Most disturbingly, photographs of the question paper, some evidently taken in domestic surroundings, began circulating on social media and WhatsApp within minutes of the test’s commencement. Moreover, the paper was so lengthy that its completion within the stipulated time was virtually impossible.

Drap recruitment need to be beyond reproach. Fairness demands that the abandoned 2024 process that had already reached the interview stage be revived. Drap and other relevant agencies should explain the discontinuation of the earlier process, and restore it to its logical conclusion. Besides, an independent inquiry should be initiated into the recent exa-mination so that transparency expected of a national regulator is not compromised.

Fawad Ahmad
Kohat

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2026