No change in upper age limit for CSS examination

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Wednesday rejected a summary moved by the Establishment Division regarding increase in the upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Central Superior Services competitive examination.

Addressing a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said he could have rejected the proposal when it was first submitted to him, but had asked the relevant ministry to table it before the cabinet for approval. He added that this was done to promote the culture of consulting cabinet members in the decision making process and promoting democratic practices in the country.

Gilani said it was necessary to keep the age limit at the existing level in order to attract the best among the country’s youth.

Retirement age: Commenting on the issue of increasing retirement age from 60 to 63 years, the prime minister informed the cabinet that the federal government was not considering any such proposal, as it would hamper the promotion prospects of younger officers.

The cabinet also approved in-principle to start negotiations on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding bilateral political consultations between the governments of Pakistan and Namibia.

Gilani said once the MoU were signed, efforts should be made towards its implementation.

The cabinet also granted permission to a summary moved by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower to start negotiations with the Italian government for an agreement to strengthen co-operation on migration matters. The MoU will facilitate formalising arrangements with the Italian government for job placement of Pakistani professionals and workers in Italy.

The water and power minister briefed the cabinet members about the water and power situation in the country. He said although water in dams was less than the required level, every effort would be made to ensure adequate water supply to farmers.

Gilani directed all ministers to maintain close liaison with the media and facilitate access to information, so that government policies for socio-economic development of the people are properly projected.

Source: Daily Times