Govt considers exempting civil armed forces from rightsizing policy over security concerns

The federal government is preparing to take a major decision regarding recruitment in civil armed forces, with proposals under consideration to exempt the forces from the existing rightsizing policy, sources said.

According to government sources, recruitment through third parties and outsourcing in civil armed forces has been declared a potential security risk. In light of these concerns, a proposal has been moved to avoid implementing the rightsizing policy for these forces.

Sources said a formal waiver has been sought to allow direct recruitment for posts ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4 in civil armed forces. The matter is expected to be placed before the federal cabinet for approval through a summary seeking exemption from outsourcing requirements.

Officials said the rightsizing policy was introduced during the tenure of the current government to manage general common and non-core services through outsourcing. Under the policy, several services such as cleaning, plumbing and gardening in federal institutions have already been outsourced.

The policy also imposed a ban on the creation of new posts including Naib Qasid, Mali and Khakrob. Additionally, new posts of Sentry Worker, Record Sorter, Carpenter and Electrician Plumber have been abolished.

Officials further stated that ministries and divisions have been prohibited from applying for new posts, while vacant positions in ministries, divisions and other departments have been declared as “dying posts” under the policy framework.

However, in view of the security implications associated with outsourcing in sensitive institutions, the government is now considering granting civil armed forces an exemption from the rightsizing policy.

Reporter: Awais Kiyani