KARACHI: British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Nithavriankis on Tuesday said that the civil service in Pakistan was a great profession and asked the youth aspirants of the Central Superior Services (CSS) to expand their knowledge to pass the examination and serve the country.

Speaking at the CSS Corner established by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation in iconic Frere Hall, he said that the candidate should not get disappointed in case of non-selection and keep striving for success, adding that students were facing hardships due to Covid-19 pandemic.

He said that the United Kingdom and Pakistan were working together in different sectors and over 150 English companies were working in Pakistan.

He said that he came to Frere Hall for the first time and it was an honour for him to meet the participants in the CSS course.

He said that choosing the historical building to establish the CSS corner was a great step adding that he was impressed with the way aspirants were taking interest in the course.

Talking to students, Mr Nithavriankis said that a civil servant should have qualities of respecting both seniors and juniors. He said that a civil servant should work with courage and treat everyone without any discrimination.

The British diplomat said that circumstances were critical due to pandemic for a civil servant who should take this as a challenge rather than a job.

He was of the view that Pakistan was an important country in British foreign policy. “There was lack of coordination between the two countries in the past but now it is being restored,” he added.

The British deputy high commissioner added that the England cricket team would be visiting Pakistan next year.

Earlier, City Administrator and Commissioner Iftikhar Ali Shallwani welcomed the British deputy high commissioner and apprised him of all facilities being provided to students.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2020