In a major action against recruitment fraud, the education department in Dera Ismail Khan has cancelled DI Khan PST appointments of 35 female Primary School Teachers. The District Education Officer (Female), Syeda Anjum, declared the appointment orders null and void from the start after the department failed to verify their service records, postings and recruitment documents. The women have also been told to return all salaries they received.
The decision has sent a strong message across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where fake and “ghost” appointments in the education sector have been a long-standing problem. Here is everything you need to know about the case.
What Happened to the DI Khan PST Appointments?
According to the notification issued on 20 October 2026, the District Education Office (Female) DI Khan reviewed service records, payroll data, attendance records and recruitment files of the teachers. The department found that:
- The individuals were drawing salaries, but there was no proof that they were working at their assigned schools or any other office under the DEO (Female).
- In several cases, service books and original appointment orders were not available.
- Addresses of some individuals, or of their fathers or husbands, could not be verified.
- The appointments were made without newspaper advertisement, without a competitive process and without the recommendation of a Departmental Selection Committee (DSC).
Why the Department Called the Orders Fake
Under Rule 10(2) of the KP Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion and Transfer) Rules, 1989, initial recruitment to such posts requires an open advertisement and a DSC recommendation. The department said the 35 women either did not appear in the ETEA test held on 23 and 24 April 2022 for union council-based PST BPS-12 posts in DI Khan, or did not reach a qualifying merit position. Their names were also missing from the DSC minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2022.
Before the final decision, show-cause notices were published in Urdu and English newspapers. The individuals were given seven days to submit original appointment orders, joining reports, posting orders and proof of their workplace. Some contacted the department, but none could produce the required documents.
Action Ordered Against the 35 Teachers
The DI Khan PST appointments case does not end with cancellation. The notification also orders strict follow-up steps:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment status | Declared null and void ab initio (from the start) |
| Salaries | Full recovery and deposit into the government treasury |
| Legal action | FIRs under PPC Sections 416, 417, 419 and 420 |
| Who files FIRs | Sub-Divisional Education Officers (Female) |
| Further probe | Case forwarded to Anti-Corruption Establishment, DI Khan |
A complete record of the salaries paid so far is also being prepared so that the money can be recovered.
Impact on Teachers and the Education System
Ghost employees and fake appointments take away salaries meant for real teachers and harm children’s education. Every fake post is a seat that a deserving, qualified candidate could have filled through ETEA and merit. This action is therefore good news for genuine PST candidates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
For serving teachers, the case is a reminder to keep personal records safe and updated. Every teacher should have copies of:
- Original appointment order and joining report
- Posting and transfer orders
- Service book entries and pay slips
- ETEA result card and DSC merit details
Similar Cases in KP
This is not the first such case in the province. Earlier this year, services of other female teachers were also terminated over fake appointments. Education officials say record verification will continue, and more cases may come to light in other districts.
What Comes Next in the DI Khan PST Appointments Case?
The Anti-Corruption Establishment is expected to investigate who issued the fake orders and how salaries were processed for years without verification. Officials may also face inquiry if they helped in the fraud. Recovery notices are likely to be sent to the 35 individuals soon.
The full report of the DI Khan PST appointments decision was covered by The Nation.
Also Read: Latest Jobs: Balochistan SST Jobs 2026 – 68 Posts | IHC Teachers Regularisation Petitions
FAQs
How many DI Khan PST appointments were cancelled?
The appointments of 35 female Primary School Teachers were cancelled.
Who issued the order?
District Education Officer (Female) DI Khan, Syeda Anjum, issued the notification.
Will the teachers have to return their salaries?
Yes. The department has ordered full recovery of salaries drawn through the disputed appointments.
Is there any criminal action?
Yes. FIRs have been ordered under PPC Sections 416, 417, 419 and 420, and the case has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Establishment.