The Ministry of Commerce has introduced a new policy governing the recruitment of locally hired employees at Pakistan’s trade and investment missions abroad, imposing stricter eligibility requirements, mandatory security checks and a standardized selection process.
Under the policy, candidates of Indian or Israeli origin will be ineligible for recruitment under any circumstances. Security screening will also be compulsory for applicants and their spouses, while Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) must obtain prior approval from the ministry before starting any recruitment process.
The ministry has circulated detailed guidelines to all TIOs, directing them to prioritize citizens of the host country. Pakistani-origin individuals with valid work permits may also be considered for local positions.
Commerce Ministry Sets Eligibility and Selection Requirements
Locally hired employees may only be appointed to officially approved positions, with salaries and benefits determined according to pay scales prescribed by the Diplomatic Wing. In exceptional cases, compensation may be determined through a market survey supported by proper justification.
Applicants must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university, while candidates with relevant experience in trade-related fields will receive preference. The selection committee will be formed by the concerned TIO after obtaining approval from the ministry.
Following written tests and interviews, the committee will forward a panel of three successful candidates to the Ministry of Commerce for consideration.
Contracts Limited to Three Years Under New Policy
The initial employment contract for locally recruited staff will run for one year and include a 90-day probation period. Subject to satisfactory performance, contracts may be renewed annually, with the total tenure capped at three years.
The guidelines require quarterly performance evaluations, while requests for contract extensions must reach the ministry at least three months before the existing contract expires. Once an employee completes the maximum three-year tenure, the position must be filled through fresh recruitment.
Unauthorized Hiring to Be Treated as Irregular Expenditure
The ministry has prohibited retrospective approval for recruitment and contract extensions. Appointments or extensions made without prior approval, along with salaries paid in violation of the guidelines, will be classified as irregular expenditure.
The concerned TIO will be personally responsible for audit objections arising from irregular recruitment or extensions and will also be held accountable for disputes and legal proceedings involving locally hired staff.
The policy clarifies that the Ministry of Commerce will not assume administrative or financial responsibility for such matters. The new guidelines replace all previous instructions governing the recruitment and management of locally hired employees at Pakistan’s overseas trade and investment missions.
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