CSS is the competitive examination administered for induction into different posts of civil service of Pakistan.

It was always considered a forum based on merit and fair play. But not anymore.

The Faisalabad incident, which recently came to light, seriously questions its credibility and integrity. Candidates from Faisalabad were caught changing their answer-sheets in connivance with postal officials.

It is frustrating for young candidates who believed in their competence and had worked hard. No one knows for how long this malpractice had been going on. Nor is anyone aware of the magnitude of damage done to the system. The main accused is still at large.

Had there been no delay in receiving the bundles of answer-sheets in FPSC HQ, this incident would not have come to light.

It was revealing to know that the answer-sheets are transported through post offices.

On top of it, the FPSC has scattered the CSS centres all over the country bringing it to the level of district, which otherwise may not be easy to manage in a proper way.

People also report that there is now frequent mobile usage going on in examination halls.

The credibility of CSS as a competitive examination has already been eroded by the introduction of different quotas.

Initially, there was a provincial quota which was probably justified in order to give representation to backward areas.

Instead of doing away with this quota in due course, additional quotas over a period have been introduced.

Now there is a quota for armed forces, women and minority. This negates the spirit of competitiveness. It is now an examination of quotas.

Would someone look into the issues mentioned above to save a system (which otherwise was seen as fool-proof and without any serious flaws)?

IMTIAZ AWAN Islamabad