Commerce Ministry issues merit-based rules for overseas trade mission postings

The federal government has introduced a new merit-based policy for appointments at Pakistan's overseas trade missions. The Ministry of Commerce issued it, and it makes written examinations, skill tests and interviews mandatory for government employees who want foreign postings, according to TechJuice.

The policy covers Commercial Assistants, Drivers, Messenger-cum-Drivers and Security Guards. Eligibility is based on merit, seniority, qualifications and previous job performance.

For Commercial Assistants, the written examination carries 60 percent weightage, interviews 30 percent and past performance the remaining 10 percent. The written examination is marked out of 70 and the skill test out of 30. Candidates who score less than 50 percent in the examination are declared ineligible.

Applicants must take the tests at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) in Islamabad. Selected candidates must complete a mandatory four-week training before leaving for their overseas assignments.

Drivers and Messenger-cum-Drivers are selected on seniority and eligibility. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence that is at least five years old and pass driving skill assessments, including tests of GPS and Google Maps use. All applicants must have completed at least five years of continuous service in the Ministry of Commerce.

The normal tenure of an overseas trade mission appointment is three years. Employees returning from a foreign assignment must wait at least two years before becoming eligible again. Those who have completed two overseas postings will not qualify for further ones, and employees who have served six years continuously at the same trade mission cannot apply for another posting.

Government employees facing departmental proceedings or major penalties, or with a record of poor performance, are ineligible. Selected candidates must have security clearance and a medical fitness certificate, and family members who accompany them abroad must also submit medical fitness certificates.

The Ministry of Commerce said the rules aim to ensure transparent, merit-based and efficient appointments at overseas trade missions.