FIA arrests PARC Chairman over Illegal Recruitments

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested the chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) over illegal recruitment allegations.

Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali is accused of approving unlawful appointments that led to significant financial damage and widespread misuse of official authority within the institution.

According to investigators, PARC had permission to fill 164 vacancies. Instead, 332 people were hired through an unauthorised expansion of posts.

Officials say many of those who were hired were close relatives or friends of senior PARC officials.

The FIA claims these hirings ignored recruitment laws, bypassed merit-based assessments, and violated the council’s own standard operating procedures.

Sources said that the accused officers intentionally inflated the number of posts. Their goal was to adjust and benefit their personal connections.

The resulting payroll, perks, and allowances for the illegal hires caused a considerable loss to the national exchequer, officials say.

The FIA has registered a case after receiving approval from the competent authority. Legal action is now underway against multiple PARC officials.

Those who were charged are being booked under sections 34, 109, 409, 468, and 471 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

They are also facing action under section 5(2)47 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947.

The investigation points to deliberate fraud, nepotism, embezzlement of funds, and criminal misconduct on the part of the officials involved.

Investigators are also examining the role of recruitment committees and additional staff who may have helped process the illegal appointments.

Sources say the Ministry of National Food Security and Research may also be implicated. The FIA is expected to probe their involvement.

It is believed that PARC’s leadership could not have carried out the plan without support or instructions from higher authorities in the ministry.

An FIA official noted that any ministry official who facilitated the illegal hiring process will be held accountable after the inquiry concludes.

Further arrests or summons may be issued if more individuals are found complicit in the matter.

This case highlights long-standing concerns about unchecked hiring practices and favouritism within the country’s public sector institutions.

The investigation remains ongoing as the FIA continues to examine records, financial trails, and personal links between those hired and the accused.

The authorities have pledged to take the matter to its logical conclusion. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.