The federal government has introduced a new merit-based policy for appointments at Pakistan’s overseas trade missions, making written examinations, skill tests and interviews mandatory for government employees seeking foreign postings.
Issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the policy covers Commercial Assistants, Drivers, Messenger-cum-Drivers and Security Guards. It sets eligibility requirements based on merit, seniority, qualifications and previous job performance.
Under the new policy, written examinations will carry 60 percent weightage in the selection of Commercial Assistants, while interviews will account for 30 percent and past performance for the remaining 10 percent.
The written examination will carry 70 marks, while the skill test will account for 30 marks. Candidates scoring less than 50 percent in the examination will be declared ineligible. Applicants must appear for the tests at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) in Islamabad.
Selected candidates will also have to complete mandatory four-week training before leaving for their overseas assignments.
Drivers and Messenger-cum-Drivers will be selected based on seniority and eligibility. Applicants must hold a valid driving licence that is at least five years old and pass driving skill assessments, including tests of their ability to use GPS and Google Maps.
All applicants must have completed at least five years of continuous service in the Ministry of Commerce to qualify for overseas appointments.
The policy sets the normal tenure of an overseas trade mission appointment at three years. Employees returning from foreign assignments must wait at least two years before becoming eligible for another posting.
Employees who have already completed two overseas postings will not qualify for further assignments. Those who have served continuously for six years at the same trade mission will also be barred from applying for another posting.
Government employees facing departmental proceedings, major penalties or having a record of poor performance will be ineligible for overseas assignments.
The policy also makes security clearance and medical fitness certificates mandatory for selected candidates. Family members accompanying employees abroad will also have to submit medical fitness certificates.
The Ministry of Commerce said the new rules aim to ensure transparent, merit-based and efficient appointments at Pakistan’s overseas trade missions.
