Minority Aspirants Equipped for CSS Journey as CSA Outreach Concludes

LAHORE, August 3, 2025 — In a landmark step toward building an inclusive civil service, the Pakistan Civil Services Academy (CSA) has successfully concluded its National Outreach Programme (NOP) — a month-long training initiative designed to equip aspiring Christian, Hindu, and Sikh candidates for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.

The programme, held at CSA’s Walton Campus in Lahore, brought together 43 participants selected through a nationwide process. The initiative offered comprehensive training, including CSS orientation, policy briefings, mock exams, leadership development, and structured mentorship to help address the persistent underrepresentation of minorities in Pakistan’s bureaucracy.

Despite recent reforms like relaxed age limits and a Special CSS Examination, only 16 minority candidates qualified, and 14 joined the 53rd Common Training Programme, leaving more than 100 reserved seats unfilled. In response, CSA launched this targeted outreach to bridge the gap and provide equal footing to historically marginalized communities.

Voices of Leadership and Inclusion

At the closing ceremony, Rabiya Javeri Agha, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights, called the initiative a “second chance” for those excluded from power structures. She stated:

“Mentorship is the lifeline of empowerment. This is a turning point—one that must lead to a chain of opportunities for others. The gates of CSA are no longer guarded by the elite and privileged. We need diversity, we need fresh perspectives.”

Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, Per Albert Ilsas, attended the event as a special guest. He expressed deep appreciation for the initiative and added:

“This is a very important initiative. I’m pleased to witness such empowerment in action.”

He engaged with the participants and was briefed by CSA Director General Farhan Aziz Khawaja on the institution’s inclusive vision, inspired by the poetry of Amir Khusro. The CSA motto, “Khidmat-un-Naas” (Service to the People), reflects this guiding philosophy.

Participants Reflect on Impact

Among the participants, Majinder Kaur, representing the Sikh community, described the programme as a “life-changing chapter.” She thanked the Government of Pakistan and CSA for their support and said:

“We learnt from a family that believes in inclusivity. This programme assured us we have a place in the future of Pakistan. The courage we gained here will carry us forward.”

DG Farhan Aziz Khawaja emphasized that the programme embodies Pakistan’s commitment to constitutional principles, such as the Objectives Resolution and the Fundamental Rights. He acknowledged the support of the Establishment Division and the Prime Minister’s Office, saying:

“The State of Pakistan is in action for inclusivity. Wherever the principle of policy lies, the Government of Pakistan is reaching out.”

Dr. Shabbir Akbar Zaidi, CSA’s Director of Capacity Building, called the initiative the beginning of a purposeful journey, stating:

“You now possess the tools, knowledge, mentorship, and direction to serve with competence and commitment.”

National and Civil Society Support

The closing ceremony was attended by senior officials and members of civil society, including:

Saeed Ahmed Umrani – Secretary Minority Affairs Balochistan
Ehsan Bhutta – Secretary Price Control and Commodities Management Punjab
Dr. Mujtaba Arfat – CEO, Punjab Workers Welfare Fund
Zulfiqar Ali Kharal – Special Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab
Muhammad Khan Ranjha – Secretary Special Education Punjab
Beenish Fatima Sahi – Director General, PILAC

From the Christian community, Saleem Shakir, President of the Christian Businessmen Fellowship Pakistan (CBFP), and Salomi Sharono, Vice President CBFP, met with Ambassador Ilsas and praised CSA for its groundbreaking effort. Shakir remarked:

“Their resilience is inspiring, and we hope these young aspirants serve the nation with excellence and integrity.”

Future Initiatives

Following the successful completion of this cohort, CSA announced plans for additional outreach programmes targeting:

Youth from Balochistan
Residents of merged tribal districts (formerly FATA)
Children of industrial workers, in collaboration with the Workers Welfare Fund

These interventions aim to institutionalize equity in civil service recruitment, ensuring fair representation across all segments of society.

A Call to Institutionalize Inclusion

Saleem Shakir commended the effort, stressing the importance of sustainability:

“This programme is a much-needed intervention in Pakistan’s bureaucratic system. But it must not end here. Minority representation in governance is not a privilege—it is a right. We must institutionalize such outreach programmes and replicate them nationwide.”

The conclusion of CSA’s National Outreach Programme stands not just as a ceremony, but as a turning point for minority empowerment in Pakistan. As these aspirants move forward on their journey to public service, their stories reflect a broader vision: a more representative, inclusive, and equitable state.