The Ministry of Commerce has introduced new recruitment rules for locally hired employees at Pakistan’s overseas trade and investment missions. The policy introduces stricter eligibility conditions, mandatory security checks and a standardized selection process.
Under the new guidelines, Indian, Israeli-Origin Staff will not be eligible for recruitment under any circumstances. The restriction applies to all locally hired positions at Pakistan’s trade and investment missions abroad.
The ministry has also made security screening compulsory for applicants and their spouses. Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) must receive prior approval before starting any recruitment process.
New Eligibility Rules for Overseas Staff
The Ministry of Commerce has circulated detailed recruitment instructions to all Trade and Investment Officers. These guidelines require missions to prioritize citizens of their host countries.
Pakistani-origin individuals may also apply for local positions. However, they must hold valid work permits in the country where the mission operates.
Applicants must have a graduate degree from a recognized university. Candidates with relevant experience in trade-related fields will receive preference.
The policy also confirms that Indian, Israeli-Origin Staff cannot be appointed to these positions. All applicants must complete the required security checks before recruitment.
Standardized Recruitment and Selection Process
The ministry has introduced a formal selection procedure for overseas recruitment. Trade and Investment Officers must first obtain approval to begin hiring.
A selection committee will be formed by the concerned TIO after receiving ministry approval. The committee will conduct written tests and interviews.
Following the assessment process, the committee must prepare a list of three successful candidates. This panel will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Commerce for consideration.
Locally hired employees can only be appointed to officially approved positions. Their salaries and benefits will follow pay scales prescribed by the Diplomatic Wing.
In exceptional cases, compensation may be determined through a market survey. However, the mission must provide proper justification for such arrangements.
Employment Contracts Limited to Three Years
The new policy sets clear limits on employment contracts. Initially, selected employees will receive a one-year contract with a 90-day probation period.
Contracts may be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance. However, the total employment period cannot exceed three years.
Employees will undergo performance evaluations every three months. Requests for contract extensions must reach the ministry at least three months before expiry.
After an employee completes three years, the position must be filled through fresh recruitment.
Unauthorized Recruitment Could Lead to Accountability
The Ministry of Commerce has prohibited retrospective approval for appointments and contract extensions. Any hiring or extension without prior approval will be treated as irregular expenditure.
Salaries paid in violation of the policy will also fall under this category. The concerned Trade and Investment Officer will be personally responsible for resulting audit objections.
TIOs may also face accountability for legal disputes involving locally hired employees. The ministry has clarified that it will not accept administrative or financial responsibility for these matters.
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The new guidelines replace all previous instructions concerning locally hired staff at Pakistan’s overseas trade and investment missions. The policy establishes stricter controls over recruitment, eligibility and employment management, including the restriction on Indian, Israeli-Origin Staff.
