Govt Unveils Merit-Based Policy for Trade Mission Appointments

The government has introduced a merit-based system for filling trade mission posts abroad. Government employees will have to take written exams, skill tests and interviews. The policy covers appointments of commercial assistants, drivers and security guards, with details given for the first two.

Commercial Assistants

Candidates need at least five years of service with the trade ministry. Scoring is 60% for written and skill tests, 30% for the interview and 10% for overall job performance, and anyone scoring below 50% is unqualified. Tests are held at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) in Islamabad. Selected candidates must complete four months of mandatory training before deployment.

Drivers and Messenger-cum-Drivers

Appointments are based on seniority and qualifications. Applicants need a valid driving licence at least five years old. The practical test also checks their ability to navigate using GPS and Google Maps.

Tenure and Rules

• The standard posting is three years.

• Officers returning from a foreign posting must wait two years before being eligible for another appointment.

• Employees who have already served two postings abroad, or six continuous years at one trade mission, are not eligible for a third posting.

• Employees facing departmental action, major penalties or poor performance evaluations cannot be appointed.

Pre-Deployment Requirements

Security clearance and medical fitness certificates are mandatory for the employee and all accompanying family members.