The federal government has introduced new merit-based rules for government employees seeking postings at Pakistan’s overseas trade missions, making written tests, skill assessments, and interviews mandatory for several positions.
The Ministry of Commerce has issued the policy for appointments to the positions of Commercial Assistants, Drivers, Messenger-cum-Drivers, and Security Guards.
Under the new rules, candidates will be assessed on merit, eligibility, seniority, and previous job performance. Applicants must also meet specific service and qualification requirements to become eligible for foreign assignments.
For Commercial Assistants, written examinations will carry 60 percent weightage in the final selection, followed by interviews with 30 percent and past performance with 10 percent.
The examination will carry 70 marks, while the skill test will account for 30 marks. Candidates securing less than 50 percent marks will be disqualified. All applicants will have to appear for the tests at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) in Islamabad.
Selected candidates will also have to complete four weeks of mandatory training before leaving for their overseas assignments.
For Drivers and Messenger-cum-Drivers, selection will be based on seniority and eligibility. Applicants must hold a valid driving licence that is at least five years old.
Candidates will also undergo practical driving assessments, including tests of their ability to use GPS and Google Maps for navigation.
The policy requires applicants for overseas postings to have at least five years of continuous service in the Ministry of Commerce.
The government has also introduced restrictions on repeat foreign assignments. Employees returning from overseas postings will have to wait at least two years before becoming eligible for another assignment. The normal tenure at an overseas trade mission has been fixed at three years.
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.
Employees facing departmental proceedings, major penalties, or having poor performance records will be ineligible for foreign assignments.
The policy also makes security clearance and medical fitness certificates mandatory for selected employees. Family members accompanying them overseas will also have to provide medical fitness certificates.
The Ministry of Commerce said the new policy aims to improve transparency and ensure that appointments at Pakistan’s overseas trade missions are made on merit.
