Ministry seeks cabinet’s nod for appointing four CWAs

Of 410 candidates who appeared in written test, only 11 passed

ISLAMABAD: There appears to be a scarcity of talent in the government sector or a policy to retain some existing community welfare attaches (CWAs) as only four candidates, out of 410 who appeared in the test, have been recommended for the post of CWAs at Pakistani missions abroad.

The cabinet is set to accord approval to appoint four new CWAs in Pakistani missions abroad – New York, Barcelona, Kuala Lumpur and Athens.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has granted an extension in the tenure of nine existing CWAs, who have been posted in different countries, till December 31, 2019.

However, four CWAs posted in Milan, Kuwait, Muscat and Jeddah stations were not granted extension.

A senior government official told The Express Tribune that in accordance with Section 7 of the Emigration Ordinance 1979, the federal government appointed CWAs to safeguard the interests of overseas Pakistanis and promote overseas employment.

There are 19 posts of CWAs in various Pakistani missions abroad. The selection against these positions is made in accordance with the Establishment Division’s policy guidelines for appointment and postings in Pakistan missions abroad.

In a summary tabled before the cabinet, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development informed that against 19 posts of CWAs, 17 would fall vacant during the current year for which the ministry started the selection process in accordance with the policy guidelines.

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi had conducted the written test of eligible officers on March 10, 2019.

Of 410 candidates, who appeared in the written test, the ministry informed the cabinet that only 11 candidates had passed the test with at least 60% marks. The Special Selection Board (SSB), under the chairmanship of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfikar Bukhari, interviewed the 11 candidates on May 30, 2019 and shortlisted four of them.

The cabinet was informed that the SSB had recommended four candidates for appointment as CWAs along with station of duty while the remaining vacant posts were recommended to be re-advertised in relaxation of the policy guidelines of the Establishment Division issued on February 16, 2016.

The prime minister has accorded approval to policy guidelines’ relaxation.

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has sought approval for appointing four CWAs, as recommended by the SSB.