MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The High Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has accepted a writ petition regarding the restoration of the National Testing Service (NTS) for appointments to vacant posts of grades 5 to 15.
As per details, the petition filed by the AJK High Court Bar Association challenges the current government’s decision to repeal the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Through Third Party) Act 2021.
The petition requested the court to restore the Third Party Act 2021, repealed by the current government, for appointments to vacant posts of grades 5 to 15. The petitioners argue that restoring NTS would enable educated youth to get jobs on merit.
The hearing will be conducted by High Court Judge Shahid Bihar. The Government of Azad Kashmir, Law Department, AJK Legislative Assembly, Azad Kashmir Cabinet/Chief Secretary, and Secretary Services have been made parties.
The petition stated that under the Civil Servants Act 1976, the Public Service Commission is responsible for making appointments to Grade 16 and above posts, while selection for Grades 1 to 15 is the responsibility of various selection committees and selection boards.
The petitioners claim that the current government’s decision to repeal the Act violates fundamental human rights and that the selection committees established for appointments of grades 1 to 15 are already under hearing in the High Court with a stay order on the appointments.
