APROPOS the letter `Hiring at SBP` (April 5), the SBP`s viewpoint is as follows: The State Bank ofPakistanhas a transparent system of hiring under its Staf f Regulations and approved guidelines.

Primary induction, at the entry level, is through various schemes such as State Bank`s Of ficial Training Scheme (SBOTS), Statistical Of ficers Training Programme (SOTP) and Economic Analysts Training Programme (ATP).

Moreover, special skill and experience needs of various departments are met through open competition and transparent hiring through advertisement in largely circulated newspapers.

Further, like any other organisation the bank may need human resources to complete its time-bound projects or other assignments.

Meeting such needs on contract and negotiated salary is a market norm and is resorted to occasionally by the SBP.

The vacancy referred to in the letter falls underthislastcategory andits advertisement clearly mentions this while the hiring process is still in progress.

Abid Qamar Chief Spokesman State Bank ofPakistan Karachi