Foreign Service of Pakistan Group CSS

The Foreign Service of Pakistan is one of the occupational groups of the Central Superior Services (CSS) in Pakistan . It serves as a link between Pakistan and the rest of the world. This group consists of civil servants who represent Pakistan at the international stage. The Foreign Service of Pakistan is as old as the country itself. This group grants opportunities to candidates to excel and to have an outstanding career as diplomats. It works under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is tasked to deal Pakistan’s diplomatic and consular relations and its foreign policy. It is also responsible for maintaining Pakistani government offices abroad with diplomatic and consular status. It is among the top three groups along with Pakistan Administrative Service and Police Service of Pakistan. Annual vacancies in this group are announced by the Establishment Division in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which vary from year to year.

Education Required For Recruitment in the FSP Group

Minimum graduation with at least 2nd Division

Age Limit

21 years to 30 years (2 years relaxation for government officials)

Method of Recruitment into FSP Group

Officers in the FSP Group CSS are recruited through CSS exam conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission. They are recruited as 17-grade officers.

How Many Candidates are Recruited in the FSP Group

Each year, a fresh batch of 35-40 young FSP officers is recruited through a highly transparent and fiercely competitive exam, known as Central Superior Service (CSS) examination. The CSS Exam Pakistan is conducted for recruitment of candidates in 12 occupational groups. Of the about 20000 bright candidates each year, only around 20 to 25 make it to the FSP by acquiring excellent marks in the four stage CSS selection process that includes a written exam of 12 papers ( 6 compulsory and 6 optional subjects), a set of psychological and intelligence tests, viva exam and strong medical fitness tests. After recruitment, they are further subjected to a session of training at Civil Service Academy, Lahore. Then they get Specialized Training Program (STP) at Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan.

After completion of Specialized Training Program at Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad

After completing STP at academy, FSP Officer CSS has to pass FPO examination. After this, Foreign Service Officer is posted in ministry of foreign affairs as section officer or assistant director. Within a year, foreign officers go for language training abroad for learning international languages like Chinese, Japanese, Russian, French, Arabic, Turkish etc which is compulsory. After completing the course, they come back and serve as Foreign Officers in ministry of foreign affairs Islamabad.

Starting Salary of a FSP Officer

Starting salary of a FSP officer is about Rs. 60000-70000 in home country, whereas their salary in foreign countries depends upon the currency of that country.

Promotion of FSP Officers from BS-17 to BS-18 and Above

For promotion in bureaucracy, the new promotion rules 2019 have been introduced. All the instruction regarding promotion policy from Establishment Division has been cancelled. Now, all the officers are promoted by new civil servants promotion rules 2019.

The Perks and Privileges Available to the FSP officers

There are numerous perks and privileges of being a FSP officer in Pakistan. The perks and privileges of FSP Officers vary from post to post and grade to grade. The most significant privilege includes free travelling all over the world. They are also granted salary and allowances as per government scales and rules. Furthermore, they are also given accommodations in well-furnished houses. They also enjoy faster and larger promotions than the other groups in bureaucracy.

Hierarchy and Functions

The hierarchy of foreign officers differs from native to foreign country. If they are appointed in Pakistan, they have different hierarchy as compared to when they are posted in foreign countries.

Hierarchy of FSP in Home Country

After qualifying CSS exam and completing training from Foreign Service Academy, the FSP officers are recruited as 17-grade Assistant Director in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad.

When promoted to 18-grade, they are appointed as Deputy Director.

Similarly, when are they promoted to 19-grade, they are appointed as Director.

Moreover, when they are promoted to 20-grade, they work as Director General.

Additionally, when they are promoted to 21-grade, they work as Additional Secretary.

Finally, when promoted to 22-grade, they are appointed as Special Secretary and then become Foreign Secretary

Hierarchy of FSP in Foreign Country

At the time of joining as 17-grade officer, they are appointed as Third Secretary or Vice Council. When promoted to 18-grade, they are appointed as Second Secretary or Council. Similarly, when are they promoted to 19-grade, they work as Council or Deputy Council General. Moreover, when they are promoted to 20-grade, they are appointed as Council General in smaller countries. Additionally, when they are promoted to 21-grade, they work as Ambassador. Finally, when promoted to 22-grade, they are appointed as Ambassador or High Commission.

Functions of Foreign Officers in FSP Group

Their duties and responsibilities depend upon their missions in different countries. Their common duties include meetings with different delegations. Furthermore, they also strive for resolution of problems of Pakistanis residing in foreign countries. Moreover, they also promote their native culture in different non-governmental and inter-governmental organizations. They also organize exhibitions and ceremonies in foreign countries.