Sindh Exam Results Spark Protests After Only 70 of Over 4,300 Candidates Pass in Job Selections.

Sindh’s public hiring process was disrupted when the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) announced that only 70 of more than 4,300 test takers passed the 2024 Combined Competitive Examination. The exam, which included ten written papers, normally slots assistant commissioners, directors and section officers at grades 16 and 17. The SPSC usually clears at least five candidates per seat. The L‑grade exam was announced on May 6, and protestors said the outcome was impossible to accept. Detailed marks certificates revealed a discrepancy: the 100‑mark optional subject Criminology was reported as two 100‑mark papers, and a similar error appeared in Environmental Science. The SPSC spokesperson, Hifzullah Kaka, declined to comment, saying the matter was in court. A Dawn journalist was denied entry to the SPSC office on August 5. By May 7, social media was flooded with allegations of manipulation. The Sindh Students Action Committee was formed, and protestors camped outside the SPSC head office on Hyderabad’s Thandi Sarak. They refused to move, demanding a transparent review. SPSC filed a lawsuit against US‑based journalist Imtiaz Chandio and two activists, claiming they spread “false propaganda” and incited candidates. A First Information Report was registered at the GOR police station. Large rallies followed. On May 13, students marched from Hyderabad’s Daudpota Library to Thandi Sarak. On May 14, they launched the Movement for Restoration of Meritocracy, demanding the suspension of the results and an independent forensic audit. The Sindh High Court suspended appointments based on the CCE-24 results and summoned SPSC officials. On May 22, the suspension was extended until June 9. By July 16, a federal court lifted the Sindh High Court’s orders, allowing the SPSC to interview the 70 successful candidates. Protests have spread to Nawabshah, Ghotki, Qambar, Umerkot, Islamkot, and Gambat, with demonstrators demanding the scrapping of the 2024 exam, resignations of SPSC chairperson Muhammad Rizwan and other members, and a new independent commission to examine past recruitment over five years.