ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has announced plans to hire three director generals on a contract basis, a move that has triggered debate over merit, promotions and the future direction of the civic body’s leadership structure.

According to official details, the authority intends to fill key BS 20 level positions including Director General Law and Director General Planning, which recently fell vacant following retirements. Several other senior posts also remain unfilled, currently being managed by lower grade officers on an acting basis.

The decision to recruit external candidates, preferably retired commissioned officers, comes at a time when many serving officers in BS 19 have been awaiting long delayed promotions. This has raised concerns within the organisation about career progression and internal morale.

The advertised positions require candidates to hold at least a master’s degree along with 25 years of government service experience. Selected candidates will be appointed on a two year contract, extendable based on performance, with no guarantee of permanent absorption into the authority.

Observers have also pointed out a structural challenge, as newly appointed director generals in higher grade may have to work under board members currently serving in lower grades. This unusual hierarchy has further intensified discussions around administrative coherence and governance efficiency.

Experts within the authority emphasise that director general positions are highly specialised and should be filled based on domain expertise, including engineering, urban planning, environment and law. As the hiring process moves forward, the decision is expected to remain under scrutiny, with calls for transparency and merit based selection growing louder.