LAHORE: The Civil Services Academy (CSA) began a National Outreach Programme to help non‑Muslim students prepare for the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam and join Pakistan’s federal civil service.
The launch ceremony at CSA’s Walton Campus brought together lawmakers, senior officers, civil‑society activists and many young aspirants.
Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar, the chief guest, said the state must turn the Constitution’s promises into real chances for all citizens. He pointed out that in the last Special CSS exam only 16 of 121 seats set aside for minorities were filled, calling it “a wake‑up call.”
Three‑step plan
CSA’s Director of Common Training Programme, Dr. Syed Shabir Zaidi, said the outreach plan has three phases:
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Awareness drive: CSA teams have already visited 14 public universities to explain the CSS process to non‑Muslim students and encourage them to apply.
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One‑month camp: A residential course, now under way at Walton Campus, gives basic knowledge, mentoring and an introduction to the civil‑service system.
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Four‑month coaching: In 2026, selected candidates will receive intensive classes, mock exams and interview practice to help them compete on merit.
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Dr. Zaidi said the programme follows goals of social fairness and partners with bodies such as UNDP, Akhuwat and NUST. He added that CSA recently finished training 241 probationary officers, including 85 women, in its 52nd Common Training Programme.
Addressing the trainees, Dr. Zaidi urged them to “learn boldly” and become future reformers. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Patron‑in‑Chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, asked the media to avoid the word “minority” and instead use “non‑Muslim Pakistanis.” He also called for raising the CSS upper‑age limit to 35 for applicants from disadvantaged groups.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Burki, Punjab Human Rights Secretary Farid Ahmad Tarar, and other senior officials were present. The CSA Director General gave a commemorative shield to Senator Tarar before the event ended with a networking session for mentors and candidates.
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