|

FPSC clarifies reports on CSS candidate decline

The Federal Public Service Commission has formally rejected claims of a 45 per cent decline in the number of candidates taking the Central Superior Services examinations, describing such media reports as factually incorrect and misleading.

In an official statement, the commission explained that recent news reports suggesting a sharp drop in youth interest were based on data that had been incorrectly compared and interpreted without proper context, leading to a distorted view of actual participation.

To clarify candidate statistics, the commission released official figures regarding the 2025 examination cycle. A total of 64,081 candidates registered for the 2025 Mandatory Preliminary Test screening, an annual preliminary process that the commission noted was completely overlooked in the media’s calculations.

For the subsequent 2025 written examination, 18,139 candidates applied and 12,792 ultimately sat for the papers. From these, 354 candidates passed the written phase, 342 were declared eligible following interviews, and 170 candidates received final service allocations across various civil service branches.

The commission also pointed out that media analyses had omitted results from the Special CSS 2023 examinations, which allocated 141 candidates to civil service posts. This special iteration was specifically designed to benefit women, minorities, and candidates from underdeveloped regions, further reinforcing the examination as a viable career path for Pakistani youth.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accurate data verification, the commission urged analysts and media outlets to verify details before drawing conclusions, maintaining that the civil service remains a top priority and aspiration for the country’s youth.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Holly Willoughby laughs off daughter’s YouTube tease

    Television presenter Holly Willoughby has admitted she is still learning the ropes of YouTube after launching her new digital series Together, revealing that her teenage daughter laughed at her attempts to sound like an experienced content creator. The former This Morning host recently premiered the first episode of her YouTube show, which features celebrity conversations in a relaxed setting. Actor Stanley Tucci, known for The Devil Wears Prada, appeared as the programme’s first guest. The launch has also drawn comparisons between Willoughby’s new venture and Meghan Markle’s lifestyle-style content. Speaking on Sara Cox’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show, the 45-year-old presenter described the release of the series as an emotional milestone. “Today is launch day, this is like I’m giving birth today!” Holly said, adding that moving away from traditional television to a digital platform still feels unfamiliar. She admitted that stepping into the world of YouTube has been a completely new experience after spending decades working in broadcast television. During the conversation, Sara Cox jokingly asked whether Holly’s children were annoyed that she had entered a platform usually associated with younger audiences. Laughing, Holly recalled her daughter Belle’s reaction while filming promotional messages encouraging viewers to subscribe. “My daughter was laughing at me as I was saying ‘subscribe and ding the bell and you’ll get notifications.’” She revealed that Belle quickly pointed out how unfamiliar she sounded with YouTube culture. “She was like, ‘mum, you really don’t know what you’re talking about,’ and I’m like, ‘no I don’t but I’m learning!’” Holly said. The presenter admitted that adapting to digital content creation has taken her outside her comfort zone, particularly after building her career through conventional television formats. Unlike her previous programmes, Together is designed specifically for YouTube, allowing Holly to have longer and more informal conversations with well-known personalities. The show’s debut episode featured actor and food enthusiast Stanley Tucci, whose appearance helped launch the series. Since its release, viewers have discussed the programme online, with some drawing comparisons between Holly’s approach and Meghan Markle’s recent lifestyle projects. According to the report, Together is produced by Hungry Bear Media, the production company owned by Holly’s husband, Dan Baldwin. The company has produced several successful British entertainment programmes and is now backing Holly’s latest move into digital media. Although she acknowledged that she is still adjusting to YouTube’s style and audience expectations, Holly appeared enthusiastic about embracing the new challenge. Her comments suggested that she is willing to learn from younger viewers—including her own children—as she builds a presence on the platform. The presenter has received support from many fans following her honest remarks, with viewers praising her willingness to laugh at herself while trying something new. Rather than pretending to know everything about the digital world, Holly openly admitted she is still figuring it out, a response many found both relatable and refreshing. 

  • | |

    Bomb disposal officer injured in explosion at DI K…

    A bomb disposal officer was injured after an explosion ripped through the malkhana (evidence store) inside the Police Lines in Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday, causing significant damage to the building. According to police officials, the blast occurred inside the evidence store where confiscated explosive materials and other recovered items are kept. The force of the explosion caused part of the building’s roof and a wall to collapse. The officer in charge of the Bomb Disposal Squad sustained injuries in the incident. Rescue teams and fellow police personnel rushed to the scene and shifted him to a nearby hospital, where he received medical treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed. Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was triggered by the accidental detonation of hand grenades stored inside the malkhana. However, officials stressed that the exact cause would only be confirmed after a thorough investigation. Following the explosion, police sealed off the affected area and launched a detailed search of the site. Investigators and forensic teams began collecting evidence to determine how the stored explosives detonated. Senior police officials also visited the Police Lines to inspect the damaged building and review the initial findings of the investigation. Authorities said all possible angles are being examined, including the handling, storage and condition of the explosive material kept in the evidence store. Police added that a comprehensive inquiry has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the blast and to determine whether any negligence or procedural lapse contributed to the incident.

  • |

    Far-right extremism expert Heidi Beirich arrested as US Justice Department expands case against SPLC

    The United States Department of Justice has arrested leading far-right extremism expert Heidi Beirich, charging her with financial crimes in an expansion of the federal government’s criminal case against the Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC). A superseding indictment returned in Alabama federal court charges Beirich, the former chief financial officer and Intelligence Project director for the SPLC, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to make false statements to a bank, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from an April indictment against the civil rights organization over a discontinued intelligence programme that paid informants to infiltrate white supremacist groups. Federal prosecutors allege the SPLC secretly funneled donor funds through shell companies and fictitious entities to hide payments made to field sources. The government claims Beirich engaged in a romantic relationship with one informant and oversaw the transfer of $140,000 in donor funds into a shared bank account. Beirich, who currently serves as chief strategy officer and co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, denied the allegations through her legal counsel. Defense attorney Michael Proctor characterized the prosecution as politically motivated retaliation against an expert who dedicated decades to dismantling white supremacist movements. A federal judge in Alabama permitted the broader case against the SPLC to proceed last week after rejecting arguments requesting a dismissal on grounds of vindictive prosecution.

  • | |

    Bangladesh cricket board cancels BPL this year aft…

    The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided not to hold the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) this year after suffering significant financial losses in the tournament’s previous two editions. According to reports in the international media, the BCB has decided to suspend the current BPL format and use the additional time to develop a more sustainable structure for the popular domestic T20 competition. BCB President Tamim Iqbal said the decision was taken after the board incurred losses of approximately Tk400 million over the last two editions of the tournament. Rather than rushing ahead with another edition featuring a limited number of teams, the board wants to focus on improving the league’s quality, credibility and financial sustainability. Iqbal said the BPL will not be scrapped permanently. Instead, the board plans to relaunch the competition next year after making significant changes to its franchise system, financial arrangements and regulations. One of the major issues identified by the BCB has been franchise compliance. According to the board president, repeated violations of tournament regulations and failure by franchises to fulfill their commitments have created serious challenges. In some cases, franchise withdrawals or non-compliance reportedly left the BCB with financial responsibilities that contributed to the league’s losses. The board now wants to establish a more reliable system before bringing the competition back. Iqbal said the BCB is prepared to spend six to 12 months working on the restructuring process. Discussions with potential and existing franchises have already begun, with the board reportedly targeting completion of the franchise process by April or May next year. The decision means Bangladesh will have to create an alternative domestic cricket calendar for the period in which the BPL would normally be played. The BCB is expected to use domestic competitions to ensure that players continue to receive competitive cricket opportunities. The board’s long-term objective is to make the BPL a more organized and financially sustainable tournament. Rather than accepting recurring losses, officials want the competition to generate revenue for Bangladesh cricket. The temporary suspension could therefore mark a major turning point for the BPL. If the proposed reforms are successfully implemented, the tournament could return with a stronger franchise structure, clearer financial rules and greater accountability. For now, however, the BCB has chosen restructuring over a rushed edition, making Bangladesh Premier League 2026 one of the most significant developments in the country’s domestic cricket calendar.

  • | |

    Japan PM Takaichi’s approval falls as inflation hits households

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing growing public dissatisfaction as rising prices and higher living costs begin to weaken support for her government. A nationwide poll published by the Yomiuri newspaper showed that approval for Takaichi’s administration fell sharply in July. The cabinet’s approval rating dropped to 57 per cent, compared with 69 per cent in June. It is the first time since Takaichi took office that support for her government has fallen below 60 per cent. The survey was conducted from July 24 to 26. It showed that public disapproval also increased significantly. The share of respondents who opposed the cabinet rose to 34 per cent, up from 21 per cent in the previous month. Inflation has emerged as the biggest concern for voters. About 71 per cent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of rising prices and living costs. That figure stood at 56 per cent in June. The findings indicate that economic pressure is increasingly affecting Takaichi’s political standing. Her government had previously enjoyed strong public support, but persistent price increases are creating fresh challenges. Takaichi is also facing criticism over her government’s expansionary fiscal and monetary policy approach. The policies have contributed to higher bond yields and pressure on the yen, which has fallen to levels not seen in several decades. The latest polling results could increase pressure on the government to provide immediate relief to households. While issues such as national security remain important, voters are increasingly focused on everyday expenses and their purchasing power. Takaichi now faces the challenge of demonstrating that her economic policies can control inflation while maintaining broader economic stability.

  • | |

    Ghazi University, PMD and World Bank strengthen Hi…

    Dera Ghazi Khan: PMD, World Bank and Ghazi University Join Hands to Strengthen Hill Torrent Monitoring and Disaster Preparedness in Dera Ghazi Khan by establishment of State-of-the-Art Automatic Weather Station. A Major Milestone Towards Strengthening Weather Forecasting, Hill Torrent Monitoring and Community Resilience in Dera Ghazi Khan Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, has taken a significant step towards strengthening weather monitoring, disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region through the establishment of a state-of-the-art Automatic Weather Station (AWS) under the World Bank-supported Modernization of Hydromet Services of PMD in Pakistan Project (MHSP). The initiative, being implemented by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) with support from the World Bank, aims to modernize Pakistan’s hydrometeorological observation network, enhance forecasting capabilities and improve climate service delivery. The project is expected to play a vital role in strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness, particularly in areas vulnerable to extreme weather events and climate-related hazards. The proposed Automatic Weather Station at Ghazi University will provide real-time, high-resolution meteorological data, significantly contributing to weather forecasting and the monitoring of weather conditions associated with hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan. Given the region’s vulnerability to flash floods and hill torrents, the installation represents an important step towards improving early warning capabilities and protecting communities, livelihoods and infrastructure. Under Phase-I of the MHSP, a total of 110 Automatic Weather Stations are being installed across Pakistan, including 25 stations in Punjab. These stations will expand the country’s real-time weather observation network and provide reliable meteorological data to support forecasting, research, disaster risk reduction and climate-resilience planning. A project team recently visited Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, where it held a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad. During the visit, the team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the proposed site, finalized the location for installation of the Automatic Weather Station, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formally designating Ghazi University as an AWS installation site. The visiting delegation comprised Mr. Hassan Shafiq, Environment & Social Safeguards Consultant, World Bank; Dr. M. Yasir, Hydrology Consultant; Mr. Abdul Aziz, Director, Regional Meteorological Centre Lahore, Pakistan Meteorological Department; and Mr. Sajid Hussain, Meteorologist, PMD. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Sagheer Atta, Director ORIC, Ghazi University. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad expressed the university’s strong commitment to supporting the initiative and emphasized the importance of establishing an Automatic Weather Station at Ghazi University. He stated that the facility would not only strengthen real-time weather monitoring and forecasting in Dera Ghazi Khan but would also significantly enhance the monitoring and early warning of hill torrents, helping improve disaster preparedness and protect local communities from potential hazards. He described this contribution as an important form of community service, particularly for vulnerable populations in the hill-torrent-prone areas of the region. The station will also create valuable opportunities for research, academic collaboration, student training and practical learning in meteorology, hydrology, climate science and related disciplines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *