LAHORE: The Pakistan Civil Services Academy (CSA) on Saturday concluded its month-long National Outreach Programme (NOP), designed to equip aspiring civil servants from minority communities with the tools and mentorship needed to compete in Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.
Held at CSA’s Walton Campus, the closing ceremony brought together 42 candidates from Hindu, Christian, and Sikh backgrounds, selected through a nationwide process. The training included CSS orientation, mock examinations, policy briefings, mentorship sessions, and leadership development—offering participants both academic preparation and exposure to civil service ethics and frameworks.
Launched in response to the persistent underrepresentation of minorities in Pakistan’s bureaucracy, the outreach programme follows recent reforms—including a Special CSS Examination with relaxed age limits and additional attempts. Yet, only 16 minority candidates qualified, and 14 joined the 53rd Common Training Programme, leaving over 100 quota seats unfilled. CSA designed this intervention to provide targeted support and bridge the representation gap.
Addressing the ceremony, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights Rabiya Javeri Agha termed the programme a “second chance” for many who had historically been marginalised in Pakistan’s administrative system.
“Mentorship is the lifeline of empowerment,” she said, applauding CSA for embedding a strong mentor-mentee framework. She urged the participants to treat the opportunity as a turning point, adding:
“Make it your mission to extend the same chance to others. The gates of the Civil Services Academy are no longer guarded by the elite and privileged. We need more diversity and perspective.”
Delivering remarks as Special Guest, Ambassador of Norway Per Albert Ilsas expressed his appreciation for the initiative, saying: “I think it is a very important initiative. I’m very pleased to be here today.” The ambassador listened to CSS aspirants’ reflections on their experience and was briefed by CSA Director General Farhan Aziz Khawaja on the cultural underpinnings of CSA’s guiding philosophy. Mr. Khawaja spoke about the inspiration drawn from Amir Khusro’s poetry and how the CSA motto, ‘Khidmat-un-Naas’ (Service to the People), reflects the inclusive vision embodied in Khusro’s literary legacy.
In her speech, participant Majinder Kaur, representing the Sikh community, called the programme a “life-changing chapter.” She thanked the government of Pakistan and the CSA administration, stating:
“We learnt from a family that believes in inclusivity. We are truly grateful to the director general of CSA, who gave us the exposure and courage to lead this country in the future. Your wisdom has left a mark on our hearts. This programme assured us that we have a place in the great future of Pakistan.”
Speaking to the aspirants, CSA DG Farhan Aziz Khawaja said their presence reflected the state’s intent to uphold constitutional values, including the Objectives Resolution, Principles of Policy, and Fundamental Rights. He acknowledged the support of the Establishment Division and Prime Minister’s Office for enabling the outreach programme and extended his best wishes to the participants as they embark on their civil service journey.
He said, “The State of Pakistan is in action for inclusivity. Wherever the principle of policy lies, the Government of Pakistan is reaching out.”
Dr. Shabbir Akbar Zaidi, CSA’s Director of Capacity Building, said that the NOP was not just a training course, but the beginning of a purposeful path. “You now possess the tools, knowledge, mentorship, and direction to serve with competence and commitment,” he said.
Dr. Zaidi emphasised that the NOP is “not just a training exercise, but the beginning of a purposeful journey toward a more inclusive and representative civil service.”
He reiterated that the programme was developed in response to the persistent underrepresentation of minority groups in Pakistan’s bureaucracy. Although recent reforms, including a Special CSS Examination with relaxed age limits and increased attempts, were introduced to improve participation, only 16 candidates from minority backgrounds qualified, and 14 joined the 53rd Common Training Programme. With over 100 quota seats still unfilled, the CSA recognised the need for more targeted and preparatory interventions.
The ceremony was attended by senior federal and provincial officials, diplomats, and civil society members, including Secretary Minority Affairs Balochistan Saeed Ahmed Umrani, Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Punjab Ehsan Bhutta, CEO Punjab Workers Welfare Fund Dr. Mujtaba Arfat, Special Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab Zulfiqar Ali Kharal, Secretary Special Education Punjab Muhammad Khan Ranjha, and DG PILAC Beenish Fatima Sahi.
Following the successful completion of the minority cohort, CSA has announced additional outreach programmes for youth from Balochistan, the merged districts (formerly FATA), and children of industrial workers, in collaboration with the Workers Welfare Fund.
Officials expressed confidence that such interventions would pave the way for a more representative and inclusive civil service, while also setting a precedent for institutional equity in national governance.