It is fair in so far as it is practiced for right purpose. Some time relations with a country may be of such importance or critical nature or for any other reason that an individual outside the FPS may better handle.

One thing should be kept in mind. Jobs are not for individuals to be accommodated rather right person who can serve better whosoever -be from FSP or out side.Some individuals of high caliber outside the FSP have held diplomatic offices whose rendered commendable services for the country.One amongst them is "the Great PITRAS SHAH BUKHARI" who was first permanent representative of Pakistan in UNO. Other notables who were conferred diplomatic/ambassadorial posts include Atta ul Haq Qasmi, DR Maliha Lodhi, Gen Jahngir Karamat etc.

However , in practice to greater extent Govt accommodates their own people for political reasons. Curently daughter of Makhdoom Amin Fahim is serving as first Secretary in Pakistan's Ireland embassy. She twiced appeared in CSS but failed. She has no prior experience of diplomacy or fields related thereto. So her appointment is entirely of political nature that defies any semblance of merit.

On the other hand side, to the extent of USA, our last five to six ambassadors to USA were the people who did justice with their post and their stature was becoming of the responsibility entrusted upon them.

Once this issue of quota of non career diplomates had been spotlighted when Zardari Sb advised to appoint Mr Jahanzeb Khan , a grade 20 DMG officer, as ambassador to france. He had previously served as commercial attache there and during this he developed relations with the incumbent French President who at that time was , i guess but not sure, minister.When Zardari visited france, Sarkozi applauded the services of Mr Jahzeb so on his return Zardari taken the decsion of Jahnzeb's appointment in France.

But Jahnzeb posting was cancelled following a furious reaction and opposition from diplomatic corner , especially the Organisation of former diplomates(i dont know its proper name). They threatened to go to supreme court so the Govt retreated.

At that time the issue of appointment of non career diplomates as ambassadors was debated in national media , especially English Media. Though the former members of FSP, like Zaffar Hilaly were in favour of abolishing the quota altogether, but independent writers urged transparency in such appointments , along with reducing the quota.

So bottom line is that there is no harm, in my opinion t, in appointment of non career diplomats of high caliber on diplomatic posts.

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