The current CSS age limit restricts candidates from taking the civil services exam if they are over 28 years of age. It is appalling indeed in letter and spirit. This oppressive age limit is one of the last remnants of the Musharraf era and hence must be wiped out as soon as possible. I request the president, prime minister and chairman of the FPSC to raise the CSS age limit from 28 to 33 years.
SANA RAHEEM
Lahore
(II)
The CSS restricted age limit imbroglio has been in limbo for the past many years for the authorities concerned to recognise and address; but due to unknown reasons, nobody at the helm of the government seems willing to cut this Gordian knot.
The CSS aspirants falling out of the age bracket are mostly belonging to the middle and lower classes of society because they are not financially secure enough to devote themselves to exam prep exclusively. In a third world country like Pakistan, rules and regulations for taking the Civil Services exam ought to be more flexible and lenient, so that candidates from all classes of the society could have equal representation in the country’s administration. Enhancing the age limit for the CSS exam will have a positive impact and yield benefits for the country in the short and long runs.
I request the Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani to extend the CSS age limit by 5 years so that talented and deserving candidates, especially those belonging to the middle and lower class, can play a role in their country’s progress and prosperity.
KHUSHAL KHAN KHATTAK
Islamabad