PARC suspends several officers over alleged recruitment irregularities, Senate panel told

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) has put several officers on suspension after allegations of wrongdoing in its hiring exercise. Ministry officials briefed a Senate committee that an inquiry has been launched against the accused staff under the Efficiency and Disciplinary Rules. According to the same briefing, the case is now under judicial consideration.

The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research objected to the lack of a written reply and relevant records on the recruitment allegations. Lawmakers also raised the plight of applicants close to the age ceiling and suggested examining whether they could join future drives even after passing that ceiling. The panel stressed that the provincial quota should apply to every post, lower grades included, and officials gave an assurance it would be enforced.

Separately, the panel examined the National Oilseed Policy alongside the growing bill for edible oil imports. Ministry representatives indicated that the government is preparing ways to boost local oilseed output, with olive farming a particular focus. Senator Ahsan called for practical steps to raise local production and directed the ministry to submit a report covering three years of progress, PSDP projects, olive oil initiatives and future plans.