As the nation buzzes with discussions surrounding the proposed” 28th amendment,” one issue appears to have captured the imagination of Pakistan’s youth more than even the anticipated voting age increase from 18 to 25, which is the future of the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination. Across universities, institutes, and social media platforms, the question echoes repeatedly: Should the CSS age limit and attempts be increased?

Merely increasing the age limit without corresponding reforms to the outdated retirement structure inherited from the British era serves little purpose. Pakistan continues to operate with a retirement age of 60, despite rising life expectancy, delayed educational completion, and an increasingly specialized global workforce. 

A more balanced approach may lie elsewhere.

One practical proposal could be targeted relaxation rather than blanket expansion. Federal and provincial government employees serving or retired officers of BPS 17 or above with a minimum of three years of federal service may be granted an additional two years, and two extra CSS attempts, provided these are exhausted before the age of 32.

Imagine retaining some........

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