The Civil Services Academy (CSA) has concluded its month-long National Outreach Program (NOP) aimed at preparing minority candidates for the competitive Central Superior Services (CSS) examination. The initiative, held at the CSA’s Walton Campus in Lahore, marks a significant move toward greater inclusivity and representation of minorities in Pakistan’s civil service.
The outreach program provided intensive, specialized training to 42 aspiring bureaucrats from Hindu, Christian, and Sikh communities, selected through a competitive nationwide process. Participants received focused instruction on CSS exam orientation, leadership development, policy briefings, mentorship, and mock testing, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in one of the country’s most rigorous exams. This initiative addresses the longstanding underrepresentation of minorities in Pakistan’s administrative structure, despite recent policy reforms to increase their participation.
At the program’s closing ceremony, Rabiya Javeri Agha, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights, praised the CSA for offering a “second chance” to communities historically underrepresented in government roles. Emphasizing the vital role of diversity in public service, she highlighted mentorship as a critical element of empowerment and encouraged graduates to support others in their communities as they pursue similar opportunities.
CSA Director General Farhan Aziz Khawaja underlined the government’s commitment to constitutional principles of equality and inclusion. He credited agencies such as the Establishment Division and the Prime Minister’s Office for facilitating the program, and he extended thanks to the mentors, faculty, and officials for their contributions.
Dr. Shabbir Akbar Zaidi, CSA’s Director of Capacity Building, emphasized that the NOP was more than just a training session—it was a deliberate effort to reshape the civil service so it better reflects the diversity of Pakistan’s population. He expressed confidence that participants now possess not only the practical tools and knowledge needed for public service but also the sense of purpose necessary for making meaningful contributions in their future careers.
Despite the creation of a Special CSS Examination featuring relaxed age requirements and additional attempts for minority candidates, only 16 individuals from minority communities qualified, and 14 of them joined the 53rd Common Training Programme. With more than 100 CSS positions left vacant, the CSA has identified the need for enhanced, targeted support to boost minority participation.
The National Outreach Program is part of CSA’s broader commitment to supporting candidates from underserved regions and communities. Building on the success of this minority-focused initiative, the CSA plans to launch similar outreach opportunities for youth from Balochistan, the formerly Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and children of industrial workers, in partnership with the Workers Welfare Fund.
The closing ceremony was attended by a wide range of dignitaries and senior officials, including the Ambassador of Norway, Secretary of the Minority Affairs Department Balochistan Saeed Ahmed Umrani, Secretary of Price Control and Commodities Management Punjab Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary and CEO of Punjab Workers Welfare Fund Dr. Mujtaba Arfat, Special Secretary to Chief Minister Zulfiqar Ali Kharal, Secretary of Special Education Punjab Muhammad Khan Ranjha, and DG PILAC Beenish Fatima, among others.
