These 3 Tests Now Mandatory for Govt Jobs Outside Pakistan
The new policy introduces competitive selection for Commercial Assistants, normally limits postings to three years and tightens eligibility for staff serving at overseas trade missions.
The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a merit-based policy for Pakistani staff at overseas trade missions’ commercial sections, requiring competitive assessments for Commercial Assistants and excluding employees who have completed two foreign postings.
Approved by the Commerce Secretary, it covers three employee categories: Security Guards, Commercial Assistants, and Drivers and Messenger-cum-Drivers. Commercial Assistant selection assigns 60% to written and skill tests, 30% to interviews and 10% to performance evaluation reports (PERs).
The tests total 100 marks: 70 for the written examination and 30 for practical skills, with at least 50% required to qualify. Testing will take place at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) in Islamabad. Successful candidates will face a Departmental Selection Committee interview; those selected will receive four weeks of pre-deployment training.
Drivers and messenger-cum-drivers will be chosen on seniority and fitness, including an Islamabad Traffic Police driving test. Their driving licences must be at least five years old. Security guards will likewise be selected on seniority and fitness.
Applicants need five years of continuous ministry service. Returning staff must spend two years at headquarters before qualifying again, with preference for employees who have never served abroad.
Other exclusions cover continuous mission service of six years or more, pending disciplinary proceedings, major penalties, unsatisfactory performance records and fewer than four years remaining before retirement.
Assignments will normally run for three years, with extensions restricted to exceptional circumstances. Transfers between overseas commercial sections and mutual station exchanges are prohibited.
Staff abroad cannot apply for host-country nationality, permanent settlement or asylum. Selected employees must provide formal undertakings; breaches may bring disciplinary action and permanent exclusion from future foreign assignments. Security clearance and medical fitness certificates are mandatory for selected officials and accompanying family members.
Advertisements will specify eligibility requirements for vacancies, including those expected within the following year. The Commerce Secretary must approve the final merit list and proposed stations. The Departmental Selection Committee will also consider eligibility and selection appeals and grievances.
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