AOA,

I hope any senior civil servant will address my concerns and in this regard, I thank you in advance.
I want to join the foreign services because I want to sell Pakistan as a brand, I am very fond of international relations and I like having a global perspective. But my concerns are:
a) on foreign depositions will I be able to accommodate my parents? On my own expense of course.
b) I have heard that the lucrative aspect of the foreign service is only realized when one is posted abroad. How frequent is this?
C) I have heard that the much coveted foreign allowance is actually meager if you compare with the costs of living and one has difficulty in meeting ends
D) Are the promotions merit based? I can guarantee hardwork, dedication and commitment, but will I be rewarded according to my performance, i.e posting in developed countries.