Why Pakistani Companies Still Hire Through 'Sifarish' — And How AI Interviews Can Fix Merit-Based Hiring
In Pakistan, sifarish — hiring based on personal recommendations and connections — remains the default for 70-80% of SMEs. AI-powered interviews add an objective evaluation layer that ensures every candidate meets competency standards, regardless of who referred them. Supports Urdu and English interviews.
The Sifarish Problem
- No standardized screening in most Pakistani SMEs
- Trust deficit with fake degrees and inflated CVs
- Social obligation makes refusing referrals costly
How AI Creates Merit-Based Hiring
- Structured questions in Urdu and English
- Blind scoring eliminates bias
- Documentation trail for accountability