Medical Examination

[Asif Lashari]

Dear Dr. Farrukh

(Please read this carefully. I  thoroughly count on you for your advice on this matter)

Congenital Nystagmus or CN!!! It's been with me all my life. Every second passing minute reminds me of 'the eyes that are dancing and are in party mood every time.' Duh....

I use magnifying glass for studies. And, I've never ever been able to see blackboard in class I can't recognize faces from a distance of 10 meters. (But I can guess 'who it must be' as I'm quick to make a mental note of who walks in what way and whose body posture is how). I can't drive. Making eye-contacts is a nightmare.

The pluses....

Ended up 'Best Essayist' at CCL. Worked as Cheif Editor for Bahria University Magazine, THE VERVE. Took Finance as the major, despite the fact that I never could see the board. Yet, Alhamdulilah by reading textbooks, did for better than average people in class, on examinations.

So the crux of the matter is: even though I might be visually challenged, my mental faculties are at their best. Moreover, I'm a self-driven go-getter who CAN come up with better results than his normal colleagues. Alhamdulilah!

So, having read the physical requirements, I can predict following conversation with my medical test panel:

Panelist: Please sit
Asif: Sure
Panelist: Errr... what's with your eyes?
(Asif tells the whole Heer Ranjha story)
Panelist: Ah, I see.... CN!!! Can you please close the door through which you walked in?
(Asif looks back and finds it already closed)
Asif: But it's already closed.
(Panelist passes a wicked sarcastic smile)
Panelist: I want you to close it from the other side.
-----THE END----- 

So Farrukh bro, my question is.......

Given my eyesight - which is extremely bad - should I opt for disability quota? I mean, except for Police Services, I can work normally in every other department like DMG, ITS, CS etc. Sure, I'll look weird at times holding my magnifying glass and people will surely think I'm arrogant when I'll address them without making eye-contact.

I request you to please check my case carefully. It's nothing usual sir. And then suggest me whether I'll be accepted in normal lot or disabiled lot. Please be straight. I erased the meaning of 'hard-feelings' from my dictionary long back.

[Dr. Farrukh Malik]

Dear Asif,

I hope you are doing fine. It is a pleasure to see you around. Sorry for the delayed response because I am quite busy these days with things and issue around. Now lets get to your queries:

I request you to please check my case carefully. It's nothing usual sir. And then suggest me whether I'll be accepted in normal lot or disabiled lot. Please be straight. I erased the meaning of 'hard-feelings' from my dictionary long back.

You have been in touch with me personally for quite sometime and you must realize one thing that I never tend to mislead somebody so you better do not worry about this issue. Now lets get to other issue.

Given my eyesight - which is extremely bad - should I opt for disability quota?

To best of my knowledge, if Nystagmus in severe conditions can impair normal functions of day to day life and in your case, you appear doing things quite normal so it makes you eligible for the exams. Now it is upto the decision of board if they are going to declare you disable or not. So at the moment, you must not worry about it. Believe in your self, do the exceptional and you will be rewarded.

Here, I would like to quote the example of my fellow Commoner Saima Saleem, she did it, did it with honors and she got allocated to group of her choice that is Foreign Services of Pakistan. All I would say that you better prepare well and rest leave everything to Allah.

Now I comming to the description of disability in rules and regulation governing medical fitness of candidates. The Annes B of CSS Rules issued by Federal Public Service Commission in 2008 has provided us specifics for occupational groups like Police and Railways and to best of my knowledge you are not fit for both.

About other groups, since I don't know your eye sight specifics I can say. Please have a look at the Eyes sight Requirement for CSS Pakistan here and you will get the answer.

In case you are below the range they consider normal, still you have Commerce and Trade Group, Pakistan Audit and Accounts group, Information group and Postal. Not only this but in case you get to some exceptional position like CSS 2007 qualifier Saima Saleem, you can end up with something exceptional on the similar grounds.

Lastly, I would say, give it a strong blow and you will find, the impossible will turn possible. I wish you all the very best.

[Asif Lashari]

Thank you so much Dr. Farrukh. I value your advice a lot. I've made up mind for applying for it just like the normal lot. I'll give all that I can give, given my condition, and leave the rest to the Ultimate Judge.

[Thomas Anderson]

What counts in life is perseverance, hard work and believe in yourself.
Your posts clearly shows that up till now your eyes weren't able to stop you from being the best.
Why would they stop you now?
One day you will have a CSP medal with your name at CEP.
Asif we wish you best of luck.
Go ahead with your dreams!

[Dr. Farrukh Malik]

Dear Thomas,

I am Happy to see your post wishing Asif Success. I am gald to see such cordial feelings among CEP members. My sincerest wishes are always there for you. Keep up the good work!!!!!

And Asif bro, I would like to ask two questions that instructors back there at CCL used to ask:

1. How is your morale?

2. Up to ? ? ? ?

[Thomas Anderson]

Dear Thomas,

I am Happy to see your post wishing Asif Success. I am gald to see such cordial feelings among CEP members. My sincerest wishes are always there for you. Keep up the good work!!!!!

Thanks a lot Dr Farrukh for appreciating my feeble contributions.

[Asif Lashari]

Dear Thomas,

Thanks a lot for your warm wishes. I feel motivated and I sincerely pray for you.

Dear Farrukh

1. High Sir

2. Sky Sir

[Dr. Farrukh Malik]

Asif go and get it and make us feel proud on you.