Islamabad

In a rare milestone for minority representation, two men from Pakistan’s Hindu community have qualified for the country’s prestigious federal civil service, where participation of minority groups has historically remained low.

Jeevan Rebari and Khem Chand Jandora, both from Sindh province, are among 170 candidates selected for the Central Superior Services (CSS) after the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) announced its final results.

According to official figures, 12,792 candidates appeared in the written examination nationwide, out of which 355 cleared the initial stage. After subsequent evaluations, 170 candidates were finally selected.

Hindus, numbering around 3.8 million according to the 2023 census, form the largest minority community in Pakistan and are mainly concentrated in Sindh. Despite a constitutionally guaranteed 5 per cent job quota for minorities, representation in top civil services remains limited, with many reserved seats still vacant.

Reports indicate that 123 minority quota positions remain unfilled, underscoring the significance of these selections.

Personal struggles behind success

Khem Chand’s journey reflects deep financial hardship. His family reportedly took high-interest loans and even sold jewellery to fund his education. Belonging to the Jandora community, historically associated with traditional grinding and farming work, his pursuit of higher education marked a break from long-standing occupational practices in his community.

Jeevan Rebari also faced challenges during his academic journey. Due to limited resources, he stayed in a gurdwara for support and relied on community langar meals. Coming from a pastoral background, he completed his education in government institutions and earned an LLB from Sindh University in 2021 before moving to Lahore for CSS preparation. He attempted the exam for the first time in 2023.

Unlike many candidates, Jeevan reportedly secured his place through open merit rather than the minority quota.

Growing but limited representation

The CSS framework includes multiple occupational groups such as the Foreign Service and Police Service. In recent years, a few individuals from minority communities have broken barriers, including Rajendra Menghwar, who became one of the first Hindu officers in the Police Service of Pakistan after qualifying in earlier batches.

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While constitutional protections exist, observers note that actual representation of minorities in senior civil services continues to lag behind the allocated quota.