A Senate committee today expressed grave concern over the protracted two-year timeline for general recruitment through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), directing the body to expedite reforms. The commission assured the panel that a new system involving computer-based testing and revised examination patterns would slash the recruitment period to one year in the future.
The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Senator Naseema Ehsan, was briefed that the lengthy process is set to be streamlined. The Secretary FPSC detailed initiatives to reduce the duration, including the introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) and a shift from subjective papers to two multiple-choice question-based tests. The Chairperson instructed the FPSC to hasten the implementation of these changes to ensure recruitment processes are concluded in a shorter time.
A significant point of contention arose over the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, as the committee reiterated its earlier recommendations to increase both the upper age limit and the number of permissible attempts for candidates.
However, representatives from the Establishment Division and the FPSC contended that such changes were not feasible. They cited concerns regarding the potential for reduced service length and possible “attitudinal issues” from inducting older candidates into the civil service.
In response, Chairperson Ehsan emphasised that age relaxation and additional attempts would particularly benefit educated youth from remote regions, such as Balochistan, where access to quality education is limited and schooling is often delayed. The Secretary Establishment proposed an alternative, suggesting that aspiring candidates from underprivileged areas could be facilitated through preparatory courses at the Civil Services Academy (CSA).
The discussion also addressed the retention of female civil servants. Senators Bushra Anjum Butt and Rubina Qaim Khani raised concerns about the need for more women-friendly policies. The Chairperson directed the establishment to ensure such policies are in place, including posting female officers at stations where their spouses reside to promote family stability.
The panel was informed that the CSS syllabus is currently under review for refinement. Senator Ehsan also highlighted an anomaly in FPSC rules concerning the separate mention of Buddhists from other minorities and the use of the term ‘scheduled castes,’ directing that the matter be revisited to align outdated rules with contemporary requirements.
Separately, the committee reviewed the formulation of regulations under the National Archives Act, 1993, and the Archival Material (Preservation and Export Control) Act, 1975. Members scrutinised the draft National Archives (Research and Reference) Rules, 2025, questioning if international best practices for preserving national documents were being followed.
The Chairperson noted a significant lack of coordination between federal and provincial archives departments, especially regarding the preservation of ancient documents from historical sites like Mehrgarh and Neri Kalat. She also pointed out the absence of clear provisions for the digitisation of archives and instructed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive briefing on the matter for the next meeting.