ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani dissolved the ‘task force on employment’ on Tuesday and lifted a ban on recruitment in government services.

The task force, set up by the PPP-led government soon after coming into power, has been severely criticised by the opposition and civil society and numerous cases of gross violation of recruitment policies and prescribed procedures have been reported by the media.

The government last week sacked the task force’s first director general, Ghulam Qadir Jamote, for allegedly committing irregularities and interfering in affairs of various ministries.

The first such case was reported last month, relating to interference in the recruitment in the Public Works Department (PWD). A list of favourites was allegedly sent at a time when the department was in the process of conducting tests and interviews.

Official sources said the prime minister had been informed about a number of other interferences by the task force that had embarrassed the government.

An official handout issued here said: “In line with government’s policy of good governance, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has dissolved the task force on employment to ensure merit and transparency in running of the government. The prime minister has further ordered for the lifting of ban on hiring and recruitment in the government services.

“After the dissolution of the task force, all departments will follow the normal practice for hiring and recruitment in the government as per prescribed procedures, rules and policy. The decision is taken to ensure effective monitoring and supervision by the ministries and to make the ministers more effective and responsible.

“All the government departments are to perform their role regarding recruitments and hiring as per their existing delegated legal powers and authority through open advertisement and fair competition. This major decision is aimed at avoiding corruption and nepotism while ensuring merit and transparency to guarantee good governance across the board.”