Overview of the Foreign Service of Pakistan

The Foreign Service of Pakistan is comprised of civil servants who represent the nation on the global stage.

Evolution

The Foreign Service of Pakistan has a history as old as the country itself. The Foreign Office, originally known as the Ministry of External Affairs, began its operations on August 15, 1947, at Mohatta Palace in Karachi. At its inception, the staff included one Joint Secretary, 40 officials, and 40 diplomats in training. The first batch of Foreign Service officers was inducted in 1947.

In 1962, the Ministry of External Affairs was relocated to Islamabad, the newly established capital. By 1964, it was moved to the Shehrzad Hotel and renamed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Civil Service Reforms of 1973 led to the renaming of the cadre from the ‘Pakistan Foreign Service’ to the ‘Foreign Affairs Group.’ In 1983, the group was renamed as the Foreign Service of Pakistan.

Recruitment

The Foreign Service is open to all Pakistani citizens, regardless of gender and  religion. Prospective candidates must pass the Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination, conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). Based on their merit and preferences, candidates are allocated to various occupational groups including the Foreign Service.

Once selected, Foreign Service officers undergo a Common Training Program (CTP) at the Civil Services Academy in Lahore, followed by Specialized Training at the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad.

Training Opportunities

Following CSA, officers join the Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad for a nine-month Specialized Diplomatic Course. This course includes training in Foreign Policy, Diplomatic Theory, Practice and Protocol, International Politics, International Law, Pakistan's Foreign Trade, International Economics, International Organizations and Multilateral Issues Human Resource Development. Graduates must then pass the Final Passing Out Examination (FPOE) conducted by the FPSC.

Learning a foreign language is also a mandatory part of the training. Officers are nominated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to learn languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish at leading language institutes abroad. The duration of these language courses varies based on the language's complexity.

Foreign Service officers are encouraged to pursue further education and research. Numerous scholarships are available for studying international relations, international law, public policy, and related fields at prestigious international institutions. Short courses offered by foreign universities and sister institutions of the Foreign Service Academy are also offered.

Mandatory training courses, including the Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC), Senior Management Course (SMC), and National Management Course (NMC), are required at various career stages for promotion.

Career Path

Upon graduation, Foreign Service officers are posted as Assistant Directors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. The Ministry is divided into Administrative, Protocol and Political Divisions. As officers progress in their careers, they serve as Deputy Directors, Directors, Director Generals, and Additional Secretaries. The highest-ranking official is the Foreign Secretary, a career Foreign Service officer. At foreign posts, officers begin as Third Secretaries and can rise through the ranks to Second Secretary, First Secretary, Counsellor, Minister, or Ambassador.

Women in the Foreign Service

Women in Foreign Service have represented Pakistan with distinction at all levels, including as Ambassadors, Consuls-General, and Deputy Heads of Mission. They hold important positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such as Foreign Secretaries, Spokesperson, Additional Secretaries, Directors General, and Directors.

The Foreign Service of Pakistan is committed to providing an ideal work environment for women, ensuring an atmosphere free from gender discrimination.