Both the top bosses of Commerce Division were out of Pakistan for one week because of official engagements abroad. The government will appoint 46 Trade Officers in Pakistani Missions abroad. Commerce Division had invited applications on prescribed application forms from interested officers of all occupational groups of Civil Service of Pakistan (BS-18 to BS-21) and candidates from the Pakistani diaspora, fulfilling the requisite eligibility criteria for selection as Trade and Investment Officer in Pakistan's Missions abroad. Interested public sector candidates of BS-19 only had also been allowed to apply for the post of Director, Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Tehran, Iran, through the same process.
Informed sources told Business Recorder that 480 candidates applied for the advertised positions of which 280 candidates were shortlisted. The candidates, who appeared in the test conducted by the IBA, were interviewed by the Secretaries Committee.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has a big following and vote bank amongst overseas Pakistanis had approved 20 per cent quota or 11-12 posts for overseas Pakistanis for posting as Trade Officers. However, the majority of overseas applicants did not meet either the criteria or passed the test or interview.
The sources said 13 candidates have cleared the test and interview whereas the vacant positions are only 9, which implies that there would be a tough competition amongst the candidates some of whom may use political influence to get these slots.
However, it appears that the final notification will probably not be issued until the petition of tax officials is decided or withdrawn. Secretary Commerce, sources said, has assured the candidates that the top candidates will be asked for their "station of choice" on the basis of merit list.
