LAHORE: Civil Services Academy (CSA) Lahore hosted annual dinner for probationers of the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) from across the country on Friday.

CSA Director General Farhan Aziz Khawaja was the chief guest on the occasion. The CSA faculty members, senior management, parents and family members of probationers attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Khawaja said the progress and transformation witnessed among the probationary officers was the result of collective effort, institutional commitment and the unwavering dedication of young officers, rather than the contribution of any single individual.The DG lauded parents and families, acknowledging their sacrifices in sending their sons and daughters from far-flung areas of the country to join the civil services and serve Pakistan.

DG Khawaja also highlighted the role of additional directors, deputy directors and chief instructors and appreciated their contribution to training reforms and effective programme management.

Recalling his earlier visit to Balochistan, the DG said he had assured parents that CSA would transform their children into capable, confident and responsible public servants.

He said the probationers were given exposure to key policy corridors, administrative institutions and field environments in Islamabad and Lahore to prepare them for future leadership roles in governance and public policy.

On the occasion, Director (Common Training Programme) Dr. Syed Shabbir Akbar Zaidi informed that the 53rd CTP comprises 136 probationers, including 74 female and 62 male officers.

He said 52 probationers are from Balochistan, 46 from Sindh, 27 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 11 from Punjab, reflecting national diversity and inclusion.Director (Admin & Finance) Bilal Akram said the academy was providing state-of-the-art educational facilities and a conducive learning environment, while implementing administrative initiatives to facilitate academic as well as co-curricular activities.

Earlier, a documentary highlighting the academic, physical and field training journey of the 53rd CTP was screened during the event, while a prize distribution ceremony was also held, during which Mahnoor Baloch, Mohman Shahdab and Zoha Tiwana and various others were awarded for outstanding performance.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2026