Pakistan's parliamentary watchdog has zeroed in on the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), questioning the legitimacy of around 1,200 appointments made during previous governments. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, chaired by MNA Moeen Pirzada, examined audit findings that alleged these hires bypassed merit, advertisements, and prescribed rules. Main Developments Audit officials told the committee that the appointments, notably under former federal minister Babar Ghauri, lacked due process. The unauthorized hiring reportedly cost the port authority Rs1.66 billion, with an additional Rs3.318 billion spent without verifying employee records. Committee members, including Senator Bilal Mandokhail, demanded a breakdown of how many of the 1,200 employees were qualified. The chairman raised a pointed question: if irregularities are proven, what action will be taken? Some members noted the practical difficulty of terminating such a large workforce at once. Read also: Islamabad Greenlights Twin Underpass Projects to Ease Gridlock KPT Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed said individuals with fake or bogus degrees had already been removed. However, PAC members stressed the need to first verify whether the employees physically exist before assessing qualifications, as the port authority had failed to share complete employee data with auditors. Background These audit objections stem from broader governance concerns at KPT, a key state-owned entity. The PAC, tasked with reviewing audit paras, has previously directed that bonuses be limited to one basic salary, a directive that was allegedly violated. In a separate audit objection, KPT paid a bonus equivalent to five basic salaries to employees—a move audit officials termed unauthorized. Lawmakers called for recovery of the excess amount, noting the violation of PAC's earlier order. Why It Matters The case highlights systemic lapses in public sector hiring, raising questions about accountability and financial oversight. If irregularities are confirmed, it could set a precedent for how state enterprises handle mass recruitments and bonuses, impacting taxpayer money and governance standards. Moreover, the legal complications—many employees sought court relief after show-cause notices—demonstrate the challenges of reversing such decisions, potentially leaving KPT with a workforce hired without merit. What's Next The PAC has directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report, including coordination with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The ministry's findings will likely determine whether legal action or recovery efforts proceed. Open questions remain about the fate of the 1,200 employees and whether the bonus payments will be reclaimed. The committee's next steps will hinge on the investigation's outcomes and the ministry's response.