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-   -   Foreign Services Current Senario (http://www.cssforum.com.pk/css-cadres-training-programmes/specialized-training-program-stp/foreign-service-pakistan/101239-foreign-services-current-senario.html)

kinza kazmi Tuesday, May 12, 2015 10:13 PM

Foreign Services Current Senario
 
I really want to know in detail about Foreign Services ...What is current scenario of FSP?It would be so kind if seniors particularly
all those who were allocated to this group express there views.

kinza kazmi Wednesday, May 20, 2015 06:56 PM

So no information yet?Is it that mysterious a group.

sincere khan Wednesday, May 20, 2015 07:58 PM

Contact directly with them through email or facebook
i will suggest you Gullanay Umma 2012 css qualifier. contact oka through facebook

RAO RAMEEZ Thursday, May 21, 2015 01:22 PM

Gullanay Omama

Amna Saturday, May 23, 2015 04:02 AM

[B]@ kinza kazmi[/B]

Hitting the "Thanks "tab serve the purpose.

kinza kazmi Saturday, May 23, 2015 04:13 PM

[QUOTE=Amna;831874][B]@ kinza kazmi[/B]

Hitting the "Thanks "tab serve the purpose.[/QUOTE]
Okey

kinza kazmi Saturday, May 23, 2015 09:23 PM

[QUOTE=sincer khan;831231]Contact directly with them through email or facebook
i will suggest you Gullanay Umma 2012 css qualifier. contact oka through facebook[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RAO RAMEEZ;831448]Gullanay Omama[/QUOTE]

I sent her an email but....no response yet...may be she had not seen .

sincere khan Saturday, May 23, 2015 11:46 PM

[QUOTE=kinza kazmi;832016]I sent her an email but....no response yet...may be she had not seen .[/QUOTE]

dear there are a lot of other foreign service employee so you must contact with them

kinza kazmi Sunday, May 24, 2015 05:20 PM

[QUOTE=sincer khan;832045]dear there are a lot of other foreign service employee so you must contact with them[/QUOTE]...
Yeah you are right but generally here we see a lot of information and guidance in this regard but may be FSP particulars are not abundant here so I,ll try some other forum now means some direct contact sort of...if found available.

husseych Sunday, May 24, 2015 06:26 PM

[QUOTE=kinza kazmi;832177]...
Yeah you are right but generally here we see a lot of information and guidance in this regard but may be FSP particulars are not abundant here so I,ll try some other forum now means some direct contact sort of...if found available.[/QUOTE]

If you spend just few minutes searching, there are a lot of FSP officers on FB. I would have tried myself but I doubt they'd reply me but you being a new FSP officer yourself have a lot more chances of getting reply.
However, since you are trying hard, I'm sure you'll get the required info. but being a forum fellow it is requested to you kindly share the information here with other forum members if you get it.

kinza kazmi Thursday, May 28, 2015 04:41 PM

JWorldTimes.comWhat is so special in Foreign Service of Pakistan that you opted for this group?

AMB: Foreign Service is not a group, it's not even a service – it's a lifestyle and for me it is life. Travelling around the world, hopping from one subject of interest to another, I had to do a lot of soul searching in my college days. I wanted to know what I wanted from life, what I wanted my life to be like, and I was constantly reminded of the different people I had met throughout my existence and how that diversity had enriched me. I realised that my passion was travelling, learning about other cultures, interacting with people of various races and helping those who need it most. After studying the intricacies of diplomacy for two years and after learning about the services provided by this occupational group, I knew for a fact that this is the life for me. From painstaking book keeping and paperwork to meeting influential leaders throughout the world to helping our Pakistani brethren living abroad; I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it.

Home » Source Of Inspiration » Can You Buy a Friend? » “I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it”
“I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it”
Alaa Mazhar Bokhari (FSP) 26th in CSS-2010

Can You Buy a Friend?
Saturday, December 01, 2012
189.jpg

Kindly give your brief introduction for the interest of our readers.

Alla Mazhar Bokhari: I was born in Riyadh. My early days were spent in Riyadh, California and Lahore. My personality is the product of three very distinct and opposing cultures. I was lucky enough to live and get early education in those different countries; the collective cultural impact influenced my personality makeup. While I firmly believe in religious values and family traditions, I am proud to be more liberal and progressive than many average Pakistanis women. The interaction with people of various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds has helped me see the 'other side of the picture' instead of analysing through my own subjective and stereotypical vision.

Through the course of finding my final destination, I chose different educational fields. I did my F.Sc (pre medical), I became a computer graphic designer and then a software engineer. Then, I did my bachelors in English Literature and finally a Masters in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies. The decision to do master in that subject was deliberate as the field would help me in Foreign Service.

The list of achievements is long but, clearing CSS 2010 and getting 26th position in overall merit (16th in Punjab and overall 2nd position among females) and joining the Foreign Service of Pakistan on merit over shadows any other achievement.

Now coming to exam point of view, did you prefer books or notes? What should be prepared and how?

AMB: I personally like to read books. I don't like relying on notes in the beginning. I believe once a person covers the course himself, he may consult notes for a quick revision. As a matter of fact, the depth of knowledge one may attain from a book is definitely absent in the notes.

What are the steps for the preparation of English essay and the composition paper?

AMB: There is no specific method for attempting these two papers in my knowledge. It's in fact quite tricky. I know some candidates who are incapable of speaking and writing merely one or two grammatically correct sentences and yet they have scored high in these subjects. My strategy for the composition paper was quite simple. I focused on the grammar section as getting them right guarantees full marks. Since, I had memorised Word Smart I and II and others for my GMAT and GRE tests, synonyms and antonyms, etc. it was not a problem.

What sort of combination students should opt for the optional subjects?

AMB: This is the first question every CSS candidate would ask. When choosing the subjects myself, I chose the ones I had interest in. Because I looked at my subjects from the interview point of view and thought that I would be questioned extensively from these subjects, therefore, I had to go beyond just books. I chose the subjects that would complement each other. For example, Political Science and Constitutional Law are complementary and hence I opted for the both. Then International Relations with Current Affairs was good combination and so on and so forth.

What are the ways to get higher marks in interview? Please let our readers know about the marks you scored in your written exam and the interview.

AMB: As far as the interview is concerned, I believe important facts and figures, especially economic figures related to Pakistan, should be on your fingertips. In my opinion, the interview might not be as much a test of your knowledge as it is a test of your nerves. The statistics substantiate your answers and give you an extra edge. Daily newspapers, including the business and economic sections were a must for me. I made sure I knew every possible angle of the subject.

My subject and interview marks are as follow:
As far as the interview is concerned, I believe important facts and figures, especially economic figures related to Pakistan, should be on your finger tips.
How much time is required for the CSS preparation?

AMB: My approach for the preparation of CSS exam was not like sitting down for hours for cramming sessions. I gave myself two days to each subject and then moved on to the next, making sure I didn't get bored and fed up. A person may take three to12 months for the preparation of CSS, but, what you study in the last three months stays stored in your mind. The interview is entirely a different test comparing with the written portion. I find it more extensive and relatively difficult as one has to come up with concrete answers on the spot. Extensive newspaper reading and paying attention to the world around you is the approach I recommend.

Do you believe in 'Luck Factor' in CSS as a number of average students get allocation while the talented students are unable to get through?

AMB: Well, I can quote my own example. In my first attempt I scored merely 43 in English composition while in the next I scored 83. Similarly in the previous year I scored 77 in US history whereas in this year I scored 57. There was no change in strategy or knowledge. This unexplained phenomenon is perhaps termed as luck factor but even though I consider myself lucky, I would call it destiny.

What is so special in Foreign Service of Pakistan that you opted for this group?

AMB: Foreign Service is not a group, it's not even a service – it's a lifestyle and for me it is life. Travelling around the world, hopping from one subject of interest to another, I had to do a lot of soul searching in my college days. I wanted to know what I wanted from life, what I wanted my life to be like, and I was constantly reminded of the different people I had met throughout my existence and how that diversity had enriched me. I realised that my passion was travelling, learning about other cultures, interacting with people of various races and helping those who need it most. After studying the intricacies of diplomacy for two years and after learning about the services provided by this occupational group, I knew for a fact that this is the life for me. From painstaking book keeping and paperwork to meeting influential leaders throughout the world to helping our Pakistani brethren living abroad; I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it.

Any Message
CSS exam can be taken as any other examination but it is more than a test of knowledge — it’s a test of nerves, composure and perseverance. Even post exam, the training life is all about how much stress you can handle.

Box:
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius, Favourite Personalities: Holy Prophet (PBUH), My mother and Quaid-e-Azam , Faovourite Book: Indian Summer by Mayank Austen Soofi
Waqas Iqbal
Article viewed 1903 times.
[COLOR="darkRed"][SIZE="4"]Alaa Mazhar Bokhari (FSP) 26th in CSS-2010[/SIZE][/COLOR]

hawx Thursday, May 28, 2015 06:39 PM

does government give accomodation , car to a csp officer after his retirement or not .....if not then what is given to him beside pension

Talha Majeed Thursday, May 28, 2015 11:15 PM

[QUOTE=kinza kazmi;833517]JWorldTimes.comWhat is so special in Foreign Service of Pakistan that you opted for this group?

AMB: Foreign Service is not a group, it's not even a service – it's a lifestyle and for me it is life. Travelling around the world, hopping from one subject of interest to another, I had to do a lot of soul searching in my college days. I wanted to know what I wanted from life, what I wanted my life to be like, and I was constantly reminded of the different people I had met throughout my existence and how that diversity had enriched me. I realised that my passion was travelling, learning about other cultures, interacting with people of various races and helping those who need it most. After studying the intricacies of diplomacy for two years and after learning about the services provided by this occupational group, I knew for a fact that this is the life for me. From painstaking book keeping and paperwork to meeting influential leaders throughout the world to helping our Pakistani brethren living abroad; I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it.

Home » Source Of Inspiration » Can You Buy a Friend? » “I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it”
“I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it”
Alaa Mazhar Bokhari (FSP) 26th in CSS-2010

Can You Buy a Friend?
Saturday, December 01, 2012
189.jpg

Kindly give your brief introduction for the interest of our readers.

Alla Mazhar Bokhari: I was born in Riyadh. My early days were spent in Riyadh, California and Lahore. My personality is the product of three very distinct and opposing cultures. I was lucky enough to live and get early education in those different countries; the collective cultural impact influenced my personality makeup. While I firmly believe in religious values and family traditions, I am proud to be more liberal and progressive than many average Pakistanis women. The interaction with people of various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds has helped me see the 'other side of the picture' instead of analysing through my own subjective and stereotypical vision.

Through the course of finding my final destination, I chose different educational fields. I did my F.Sc (pre medical), I became a computer graphic designer and then a software engineer. Then, I did my bachelors in English Literature and finally a Masters in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies. The decision to do master in that subject was deliberate as the field would help me in Foreign Service.

The list of achievements is long but, clearing CSS 2010 and getting 26th position in overall merit (16th in Punjab and overall 2nd position among females) and joining the Foreign Service of Pakistan on merit over shadows any other achievement.

Now coming to exam point of view, did you prefer books or notes? What should be prepared and how?

AMB: I personally like to read books. I don't like relying on notes in the beginning. I believe once a person covers the course himself, he may consult notes for a quick revision. As a matter of fact, the depth of knowledge one may attain from a book is definitely absent in the notes.

What are the steps for the preparation of English essay and the composition paper?

AMB: There is no specific method for attempting these two papers in my knowledge. It's in fact quite tricky. I know some candidates who are incapable of speaking and writing merely one or two grammatically correct sentences and yet they have scored high in these subjects. My strategy for the composition paper was quite simple. I focused on the grammar section as getting them right guarantees full marks. Since, I had memorised Word Smart I and II and others for my GMAT and GRE tests, synonyms and antonyms, etc. it was not a problem.

What sort of combination students should opt for the optional subjects?

AMB: This is the first question every CSS candidate would ask. When choosing the subjects myself, I chose the ones I had interest in. Because I looked at my subjects from the interview point of view and thought that I would be questioned extensively from these subjects, therefore, I had to go beyond just books. I chose the subjects that would complement each other. For example, Political Science and Constitutional Law are complementary and hence I opted for the both. Then International Relations with Current Affairs was good combination and so on and so forth.

What are the ways to get higher marks in interview? Please let our readers know about the marks you scored in your written exam and the interview.

AMB: As far as the interview is concerned, I believe important facts and figures, especially economic figures related to Pakistan, should be on your fingertips. In my opinion, the interview might not be as much a test of your knowledge as it is a test of your nerves. The statistics substantiate your answers and give you an extra edge. Daily newspapers, including the business and economic sections were a must for me. I made sure I knew every possible angle of the subject.

My subject and interview marks are as follow:
As far as the interview is concerned, I believe important facts and figures, especially economic figures related to Pakistan, should be on your finger tips.
How much time is required for the CSS preparation?

AMB: My approach for the preparation of CSS exam was not like sitting down for hours for cramming sessions. I gave myself two days to each subject and then moved on to the next, making sure I didn't get bored and fed up. A person may take three to12 months for the preparation of CSS, but, what you study in the last three months stays stored in your mind. The interview is entirely a different test comparing with the written portion. I find it more extensive and relatively difficult as one has to come up with concrete answers on the spot. Extensive newspaper reading and paying attention to the world around you is the approach I recommend.

Do you believe in 'Luck Factor' in CSS as a number of average students get allocation while the talented students are unable to get through?

AMB: Well, I can quote my own example. In my first attempt I scored merely 43 in English composition while in the next I scored 83. Similarly in the previous year I scored 77 in US history whereas in this year I scored 57. There was no change in strategy or knowledge. This unexplained phenomenon is perhaps termed as luck factor but even though I consider myself lucky, I would call it destiny.

What is so special in Foreign Service of Pakistan that you opted for this group?

AMB: Foreign Service is not a group, it's not even a service – it's a lifestyle and for me it is life. Travelling around the world, hopping from one subject of interest to another, I had to do a lot of soul searching in my college days. I wanted to know what I wanted from life, what I wanted my life to be like, and I was constantly reminded of the different people I had met throughout my existence and how that diversity had enriched me. I realised that my passion was travelling, learning about other cultures, interacting with people of various races and helping those who need it most. After studying the intricacies of diplomacy for two years and after learning about the services provided by this occupational group, I knew for a fact that this is the life for me. From painstaking book keeping and paperwork to meeting influential leaders throughout the world to helping our Pakistani brethren living abroad; I like every aspect of Foreign Service and am grateful and privileged to be a part of it.

Any Message
CSS exam can be taken as any other examination but it is more than a test of knowledge — it’s a test of nerves, composure and perseverance. Even post exam, the training life is all about how much stress you can handle.

Box:
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius, Favourite Personalities: Holy Prophet (PBUH), My mother and Quaid-e-Azam , Faovourite Book: Indian Summer by Mayank Austen Soofi
Waqas Iqbal
Article viewed 1903 times.
[COLOR="darkRed"][SIZE="4"]Alaa Mazhar Bokhari (FSP) 26th in CSS-2010[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]

Any update related to Current scenario of Foreign Service of Pakistan(FSP) ? Please share.

kinza kazmi Friday, May 29, 2015 01:55 PM

[QUOTE=Talha Majeed;833642]Any update related to Current scenario of Foreign Service of Pakistan(FSP) ? Please share.[/QUOTE]

Still in progress.

Tassawur Friday, May 29, 2015 03:12 PM

[B][I]I have FSP my top preference for my css 2015 and this time exam experience has remained very good and I am optimistic about reaching my dream group. I have that craze for foreign service that when I got an opportunity to get associated with foreign service as an Assistant, I didn't think for a second and appeared in the test, passed it and have now got attached to Foreign office. Since May 20 I am working as an assistant in Foreign Office. And during these few days, my charm for FSP has increased even more. [/I][/B]

husseych Friday, May 29, 2015 11:51 PM

[QUOTE=Tassawur;833817][B][I]I have FSP my top preference for my css 2015 and this time exam experience has remained very good and I am optimistic about reaching my dream group. I have that craze for foreign service that when I got an opportunity to get associated with foreign service as an Assistant, I didn't think for a second and appeared in the test, passed it and have now got attached to Foreign office. Since May 20 I am working as an assistant in Foreign Office. And during these few days, my charm for FSP has increased even more. [/I][/B][/QUOTE]

Assistant to what? Moreover, share your experience and findings.

kinza kazmi Saturday, May 30, 2015 10:35 PM

Ahmed Farooq

28th Common, (FSP)
Director Minister of State,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad



Jahangir's World Times
Vol/5.....Issue/IV.....Jan/11


Introduction

Mr. Ahmed Farooq joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP) in 2001. During his ten years service, he has served as third secretary, second secretary and first secretary at New York in Pakistan’s mission to the United Nations. He also served as Assistant Director at Moscow in Pakistan’s embassy and had been Director SAARC at Foreign Office in Islamabad. Presently, he is serving as Director MOS in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan.


Please throw some light on your education and achievements.

I did my masters in ‘Economics’ from Government College University (GCU), Lahore, in 1997, after that I started preparation for the CSS exam. In fact, even before my masters I had an idea that I had to appear in the competitive exams. So I appeared in the CSS-2000 exam and got selected for the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP).


Why did you opt for ‘Foreign Service’ and to which extent it is unique?

Well, you see all services having the same purpose that is to serve the people and Pakistan. They are all very useful and have their significant position in the working of government. But joining ‘Foreign Service’ personally, it was a great privilege because it provides you a chance to represent your country abroad.

Yes, I agree it is a unique service because it provides an opportunity to carry the flag of your country and I think this feeling is priceless as nothing can be parallel to it. Moreover, in this service you meet cream of people around the world and you deal with issues at the global level.

Furthermore, this is my 10th years in ‘Foreign Service’ and I found it the best place where I wanted to see myself. And I am very thankful to Almighty Allah for His grace that he gave me an opportunity to serve my country through this service. In fact, I even feel most proud to sit behind the name plate of Pakistan and I must say this feeling is matchless.

That is the biggest honour which I can think bestowed on anyone in any national service. In addition to this, when you represent your country in any part of the world then you will be called “distinguished delegate from Pakistan” as it is also a matter of great honour and prestige. Hence, these features brought me to this service.

Lastly, I would say to carry the national flag in the world was the main reason for joining the ‘Foreign Service’.


What are the prerequisites for CSS in your opinion?

The first and foremost requirement is good command of English language. Every candidate should be able to represent himself or herself in a proper and effective manner. Actually, when one joins the ‘Civil Service’ then the official language is English; so one has to communicate and interact with people in this language.

Secondly, candidates must choose their subjects carefully, according to their aptitude and area of interest. Instead of what people say or recommend one needs to have an apt assessment of what he or she could do best. What are the subjects in which you can excel; you can get good score and score to that extent which can distinguish you from others?

I am not saying that one should not consult the subject specialists and those who already qualified the exam but at the end of the day there should be reflection of your abilities rather than what others think.

Third is proper time management because proper utilisation of time is necessary for your success.


What strategy should candidates adopt for essay and composition paper?

In fact, essay, précis and comprehension writings are not ordinary things to cram; these are skills in which one has to develop strength by continuous practice.

Candidates cannot learn these things by just reading some material or book overnight. For perfection, candidates should have proper mentoring and consistent practice. I would say every day if not possible then every other day, candidates must do each assignment of précis, comprehension and expansion of an idea or short essay and get it checked from a teacher.

Similarly, one should write at least one essay in a week. So I think these are appropriate ways to develop your capacity in these areas. I would say practice, practice and more practice.


What is the key to get higher marks in interview?

There are some skills required to surpass different stages of this exam and interview is also a part of this exam. This includes command of English language, knowledge about subjects (Optional), general knowledge and proper way to reply or give answer to a question.

As candidates know there is a proper way to attempt the paper similarly, same technique applies to viva or interview. In fact, a well-informed person can perform well in interview but it does not mean that candidates should know everything; you are expected to drop questions. If you do not know then simply say sir I do not know the answer, rather than trying to give a spin.

Moreover, as I said earlier apart from knowledge the skill of answering a question is very important and it can be learnt by mock interviews. For instance, the most common question i.e. introduce yourself, so the answer should be like this:
My name………..
I am from………..
And I have done this (qualification) ………..

Then see what their reaction is if they want to know something else then tells them. I mean they should know who you are and your introduction makes a sketch of your personality.

Furthermore, the candidates always listen to interviewer carefully, read their body language and do not behave in a manner which make them upset. While answering a question make eye contact always and remember in interview one should be polite and well mannered.


What sort of written presentation is needed for a 20 marks question?

When one attempts a question in the CSS exam then answer should be logical. Think about it as you have to present a case; so it should have a proper introduction about what is asked then argue. One should give cogent and convincing arguments based on facts and figure then draw a proper conclusion.

I tell you people always say write this or that or take a particular line of arguments because it will please the examiner. I do not believe in this and I can assure you if you attempt the question in logical and cogent manner, you will get good marks, no matter examiner agrees with your point of view or disagrees. Lastly, do not go beyond the ambit of your question while answering.


Are academies necessary for CSS or these are only tools of making money?

Academy is not essential at all basically. It depends how you prepare, work hard, show diligence and determination. There are number of academies which are just to make money but at the same time there are people who are doing much better work.

In fact, your own commitment to pass the CSS is much better than any thing else. To sum up, I would say candidate’s own determination and hard work matters a lot, no matter he or she has joined any academy or not.


Any Message

For all aspirants of CSS I would say, they should believe in their own and believe in Almighty Allah. Tell you can do this and you will do this, then start preparation and work hard and in the last after putting your all efforts pray for your success. Here, I would also like to add for the aspirants of the Foreign Service that keep this thing in your mind, after joining the Foreign Service:

• You have to spend lot of time of your foreign service outside Pakistan.

• At times you have to be away from your family.

• Here, you have not any ‘Danda’ to reflect your power or authority. In other services you might have it.

• In the beginning it is interesting but after 2 or 3 postings it becomes a challenge because you have to move after every three years.

• In this service, you keep on reading and traveling a lot.

To sum up ‘Foreign Service’ is a package deal so if you like the package and want to carry the national flag then join it.

Nazish Hina Sunday, May 31, 2015 07:19 PM

[QUOTE=kinza kazmi;834242]Ahmed Farooq



To sum up ‘Foreign Service’ is a package deal so if you like the package and want to carry the national flag then join it.[/QUOTE]

[FONT="Century Gothic"][SIZE="3"]love the package and I'm dying to buy it. Excellent post Kinza[/SIZE][/FONT]

Tassawur Monday, June 01, 2015 10:36 AM

[QUOTE=husseych;833976]Assistant to what? Moreover, share your experience and findings.[/QUOTE]

[B][I][COLOR="Sienna"]Assistant to AD. The atmosphere, the young FSP officers, the talks of foreign missions and postings all fill one with energy and passion. [/COLOR][/I][/B]

Talha Majeed Monday, June 01, 2015 03:46 PM

[QUOTE=Tassawur;834646][B][I][COLOR="Sienna"]Assistant to AD. The atmosphere, the young FSP officers, the talks of foreign missions and postings all fill one with energy and passion. [/COLOR][/I][/B][/QUOTE]

then share your views about current scenario of FSP plz

imranazeem Thursday, June 04, 2015 11:14 AM

Thank you!
 
Ma'am Kinza Kazmi, you're doing us all a great favour by collecting and sharing this information regarding everyday life in the Foreign Service of Pakistan. :clap

I hope you'll continue to share these pieces, along with your own personal experiences and interactions, for the benefit of us all in this forum. :bow

kinza kazmi Thursday, June 04, 2015 09:33 PM

Foreign Service of Pakistan was constituted on an ad hoc basis immediately on the birth of Pakistan. The Service was first given an executive fiat in a decision of the Federal Cabinet in July, 1948. A formal resolution constituting the service was announced in October 1952.

It envisaged diplomatic posts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the Diplomatic and consular missions of Pakistan abroad.

The resolution provided for the posts of (a) Secretary (1),
(b) Joint Secretaries (2),
(c) Deputy Secretaries (8),
and (d) Under Secretaries (16)
Posts for Pakistan Diplomatic Missions abroad provided for Ambassadors (17), High Commissioners (5),
Ministers (4),
Commissioners (1), Deputy High Commissioners (2),
Counselors (15),
First Secretaries (10),
Second Secretaries (19),
Third Secretaries (31),
Consul General (3),
Consul (4),
and Vice Consul (7).

kinza kazmi Friday, June 05, 2015 09:07 PM

[COLOR="darkRed"][B][U][SIZE="5"]Dildar Ali Abro Foreign Service of Pakistan, (FSP) CSS-2009[/SIZE][/U][/B][/COLOR]

Saturday, October 01, 2011
452.jpg

Jahangir’s World Times: Would you tell us about yourself, educational background and achievements.
Dildar Ali Abro: I belong to a rural area i.e. Odero Lal station which is located in district Matiari, Sindh. I got primary education from my hometown. I received secondary education from a boarding school system. After graduation, I got third position in the inter-provincial scholarship from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.

Then I did Masters in Sociology from Sindh University, Jamshoro. After this, I appeared in the CSS examination-2009 and got selected in Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP). I think qualifying the CSS exam was my greatest achievement because I got allocated [COLOR="darkRed"][B]in my favourite group i.e. Foreign Service of Pakistan, (FSP).[/B][/COLOR]

JWT: Did you join any academy? If not, then how did you manage to qualify the CSS exam in the first attempt?
DAA: No, I did not study in any CSS coaching academy but there are a number of factors which brought this success for me. First of all, my brother and I opted for the same subjects. So, we became study partners which helped us to pass the exam in the first attempt. Moreover, my elder brother always encouraged me and the prayers of my mother also played a vital role in our success.

JWT: What should be the strategy for the preparation of the CSS exam?
DAA: It is clear that proper guidance and subject selection are the important prerequisites of the CSS exam, but as far as the strategy is concerned, it can be described in the words of our teacher Sir Idrees Bhutto -- 'extensive writing practice'. So, one has to develop one’s capacity as well as quality of English writing because a candidate has to pass the written part of the exam first.

Moreover, I would say that consistency is important because any strategy for the CSS exam can only be successful when it is followed consistently. If there would be gaps then it would not deliver.
[COLOR="darkRed"]JWT: Why did you opt for 'Foreign Service'? [/COLOR]
DAA: Well! to me, it is not only an occupational group but also a unique style of life. In fact, foreign service is a realm where one can enjoy interaction with the world leaders and intellectuals. In addition, one can experience dynamism, understanding of different cultures and civilisations throughout one’s career. Hence, these unique features of 'Foreign Service' fascinated me and I opted for it.
JW: Any message
DAA: “Readers are leaders” aspirants must develop their habit of extensive reading. They should read magazines, especially the 'Jahangir's World Times', newspapers and books of eminent writers for the enhancement of their knowledge. The aspirants must improve their writing skills by putting their best efforts and then leaving the result to Almighty Allah and He will give you the best.

kinza kazmi Friday, June 05, 2015 09:35 PM

Jahangir’s World Times: Would you tell us about yourself, educational background and achievements.
Dildar Ali Abro: I belong to a rural area i.e. Odero Lal station which is located in district Matiari, Sindh. I got primary education from my hometown. I received secondary education from a boarding school system. After graduation, I got third position in the inter-provincial scholarship from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi.

Then I did Masters in Sociology from Sindh University, Jamshoro. After this, I appeared in the CSS examination-2009 and got selected in Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP). I think qualifying the CSS exam was my greatest [COLOR="darkRed"]achievement because I got allocated in my favourite group i.e. Foreign Service of Pakistan, (FSP).JWT: Polio has scarred the image of Pakistan in the world. Although you yourself are a polio victim yet your successes are definitely phenomenal. How you can portray the positive image of our country?[/COLOR]
RW: Polio is, of course, a serious challenge for Pakistan. Actually, there is a little awareness among common people about the rights of the disabled and facilities to be provided to them. I myself had to face a lot of problems to reach this stage. I believe Pakistan is a country abounding in opportunities because I, myself, have become a part of this prestigious fraternity without any political backing or influence.
[COLOR="darkRed"]Foreign Service of Pakistan — my first choice in the occupational groups — is the right platform to present a positive image of Pakistan as through this, I can represent Pakistan all over the world.[/COLOR]

JWT: Impressed by your endeavours, if some readers decide to go for CSS, then what advice would you give them? And, how do you see Jahangir's World Times (JWT) as far as guidance for CSS-exam is concerned?
RW: I would exhort readers and new aspirants to believe in hard work. Always keep in mind that there is no substitute to hard work. When hopes are high and eyes are towards target then nothing is impossible, that is what I have learnt from my life and, of course, personal experiences.
Candidly, Jahangir's World Times (JWT) worked as a mentor for me as it has been a constant source of knowledge when I couldn't join any academy during the preparation for written part as well as for interviews. It was JWT that provided me with all the required information about the CSS and its preparation. All its articles are very informative and thought-provoking. I would strongly recommend the new aspirants to consult JWT while preparing for the CSS.

JWT: How one can make a difference in written part?
RW: One can make a real difference through vast reading and by developing one's analytical skills. Elements like coherence, clarity of ideas and logical arguments must be kept in mind while answering the question. Strong introductory and concluding paragraphs also prove really helpful.

JWT: How did you manage to get through Essay and Précis & Composition papers? Although these two are the most crucial papers, yet you fetched good marks especially in Composition paper?
RW: I drew up a simple strategy; write, write and write. I used to write and practice complete essays and it helped me a lot in developing writing skills and rectifying any mistakes. This ultimately paid off and I got excellent marks in Composition paper. Students usually shun practicing essay or précis which is not the right approach. The more you write, the more you know about your weaknesses and the more you sharpen your writing and analytical skills. As regards English composition paper, one should work on the basic syntax, enrichment of vocabulary, and above all, one should always work more and more on précis, comprehension and expansion of ideas.

Amna Sunday, June 07, 2015 01:23 AM

[B]@kinza kazmi[/B]

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