Islamabad: The federal government has decided to appoint at least 12 overseas Pakistanis as trade officers in the country’s various missions abroad, a news source reported.
These individuals will be tasked with promoting export and foreign direct investment in approximately 40 countries. Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan recently approved a policy to this effect.
Under this new policy, the government will reserve a 20% quota for overseas Pakistanis. It is pertinent to mention that the tenure of at least 32 trade officers currently serving abroad will expire in July this year.
At present, the number of vacant posts is 16. The government plans to appoint at least 45 trade officers in Pakistani missions abroad in the current year.
The commerce ministry has been tasked with preparing objective and quantifiable performance evaluation standards for these officials. Reportedly, these individuals will be trained prior to their postings. Moreover, their contracts will be extended annually based on their performance scores.
As per officials, applicants will have to pass a written test followed by an interview. These tests will be conducted under the supervision of examiners from LUMS or IBA.
