Commerce Ministry introduces competitive exams, stricter eligibility rules for overseas trade mission postings

Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has adopted merit-based rules for assigning staff to commercial sections at overseas trade missions, according to Profit by Pakistan Today. Commercial Assistants will be assessed through written and practical tests, interviews and performance records, weighted at 60%, 30% and 10%; successful candidates must complete four weeks of training before deployment.

Drivers and Messenger-cum-Drivers will be chosen on seniority and fitness, while Security Guards will also face seniority and fitness criteria. Applicants generally need five years of continuous ministry service, and returning officials must spend two years at headquarters before reapplying; staff with two overseas postings or at least six continuous years at a mission are barred. The rules also set a normal three-year posting, require security and medical clearances, and provide for appeals against selection decisions.