The federal government has introduced a merit-based selection policy for employees seeking appointments at Pakistan’s overseas trade missions, making competitive examinations, practical assessments and interviews part of the process for key staff positions.
The Ministry of Commerce issued the revised guidelines on November 6, 2026, covering Commercial Assistants, Drivers, Messenger-cum-Drivers and Security Guards.
The policy sets out eligibility requirements, assessment criteria and limits on repeat foreign postings, with the stated aim of improving transparency and ensuring that appointments are based on merit, seniority and professional performance.
Under the new framework, applicants must have completed at least five years of continuous service in the Ministry of Commerce to qualify for an overseas assignment.
Commercial Assistants to Face Written and Skills Tests
The selection process for commercial assistants will combine written examinations, practical skills assessments, interviews and performance records.
Written and skills tests will carry 60 percent of the overall selection score, while interviews will account for 30 percent. The remaining 10 percent will be based on candidates’ Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs).
The written examination will carry 70 marks, with another 30 marks allocated to the skills test. Candidates must secure at least 50 percent to qualify for the next stage. The examinations will take place at the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) in Islamabad.
The assessment will cover office procedures, file management, budgeting and accounting for overseas missions, English language proficiency, communication skills and basic knowledge of international trade. Computer skills, including the use of common office software and internet-based research tools, will also form part of the evaluation.
Candidates who pass the tests will appear before a Departmental Selection Committee for interviews. Those selected will be required to complete four weeks of mandatory training before departing for their overseas assignments.
Driving Tests and Eligibility Rules for Support Staff
Drivers and messenger-cum-drivers will be selected under a separate seniority-and-fitness-based process. Applicants must hold a valid driving licence that is at least five years old.
Their practical assessments will examine driving ability and familiarity with GPS-based navigation tools, including Google Maps. The policy also requires applicants to meet the Ministry’s service eligibility conditions.
Security guards will be selected on the basis of seniority and fitness, with the relevant departmental committee responsible for assessing their suitability.
Three-Year Tenure and Limits on Repeat Postings
The Ministry has set the normal tenure for an overseas trade mission appointment at three years. Employees returning from a foreign assignment must complete a two-year gap before becoming eligible to apply for another posting.
The revised rules also restrict the number and duration of overseas assignments. Employees who have already completed two foreign postings will not qualify for further appointments. Those who have served continuously for six years at the same trade mission will also be barred from applying for another assignment.
Officials facing departmental proceedings, those who have received major penalties and employees with unsatisfactory performance records will be ineligible for overseas appointments.
Medical Fitness and Security Clearance Required
The policy makes security clearance and medical fitness certificates compulsory for all employees selected for foreign postings. Family members accompanying them abroad must also provide medical fitness certificates.
The new framework is intended to establish a more structured selection process for staff serving in Pakistan’s commercial sections overseas. These personnel support the work of the country’s trade missions, which contribute to trade promotion and economic engagement with international markets.
The Ministry of Commerce has published its trade mission policies and related guidelines through its official website.
