Ahsan Iqbal Proposes Urdu in Civil Service Exams to Promote Inclusivity

ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has proposed the inclusion of Urdu in civil service exams as an optional medium for compulsory subjects, aiming to promote inclusivity and offer a fair chance to talented students who struggle with English.

Speaking at a Civil Services Reform Committee meeting on Friday, Iqbal emphasized that many bright candidates are denied entry into the civil service simply due to failing the English language paper. He questioned the long-standing policy of making English a critical requirement, stating, “If English was the key to performance, our civil service would be the best in the world.”

The suggestion to include Urdu in civil service exams seeks to remove linguistic barriers that limit opportunities for deserving individuals. Iqbal stressed that English has become a tool of discrimination, and giving Urdu a rightful place would foster national unity and equal opportunity.

He also advocated for a cluster-based recruitment structure to bring professionals from specialized fields into the system, addressing the shortage of technical experts in many departments. Drawing on corporate sector practices, Iqbal urged reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of public offices.

The minister noted that Pakistan’s current civil service model, established in 1973, is outdated and no longer meets the demands of today’s dynamic social and institutional landscape. Broader reforms to modernize the bureaucracy were also discussed during the meeting.

Iqbal concluded that offering Urdu as a language option in competitive exams is a step toward inclusive governance and reflects the true spirit of national identity.