In a country where minority representation in government jobs has historically been low, two Hindu men are poised to make a significant entry into Pakistan‘s federal civil service. From Sindh province, Jeevan Rebari and Khem Chand Jandora are among the 170 individuals who have qualified for the Central Superior Services (CSS), following the announcement of results by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) on Thursday.
The Hindu community, largely residing in Sindh, constitutes the largest minority group in Pakistan, with a population of 3.8 million, according to the 2023 population census. The under-representation of minorities in Pakistan’s CSS has prompted governmental action, including the launch of special training programs aimed at enhancing inclusion. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, there has been a concerted effort to address historical imbalances and provide opportunities for marginalized communities.
The FPSC data reveals that 12,792 individuals participated in the written examinations nationwide, with 355 successfully passing. After subsequent rounds, the final selection comprised 170 candidates. Official figures indicate a significant number of reserved seats for minorities remain vacant, underscoring the importance of Rebari and Jandora’s achievement.
The journey to success was fraught with challenges for both men. According to a BBC report, Khem Chand’s parents resorted to taking loans at high interest rates and selling their jewellery to finance their son’s education. Jeevan Rebari, facing a scarcity of resources, sought refuge in a gurdwara, where he relied on langar (community kitchen) to meet his basic needs.
According to the BBC report, Khem Chand belongs to the Jandora community, a Sindhi community named after “Jand,” which refers to a heavy stone mill. The community traditionally operated this mill to grind wheat, selling the flour produced. The BBC reported that Khem Chand’s father broke from tradition as the first in his community to pursue education, even though it was seen as a betrayal of their ancestral work. Khem Chand recounted his mother selling her jewellery and his father obtaining high-interest loans to cover his educational expenses, the BBC further stated.
Jeevan Rebari’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as he secured his position through general merit, bypassing the minority quota. Hailing from a community traditionally involved in livestock rearing and nomadic life, he pursued his education at government institutions, eventually earning his LLB from the Law Department of Sindh University in 2021. He then traveled to Lahore to prepare for the competitive exam, making his first attempt in 2023.
The CSS encompasses 12 groups, ranging from the Foreign Service to the Postal Service. Rajendra Menghwar’s success in 2022 marked a milestone as he became the first Hindu PSP (Police Service of Pakistan) officer. According to reports, Rajendra’s achievement in 2021 served as an inspiration for Jeevan, motivating him to pursue a career in the field and set an example for others. While the constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and a 5 per cent quota for minorities in federal jobs, actual representation has not fully met the quota limit.
Despite these constitutional guarantees and quotas, representation of minorities in government jobs is still below expectations. Initiatives like the special training program launched in 2025 aim to bridge this gap and foster greater inclusion. The success stories of Jeevan Rebari and Khem Chand Jandora serve as beacons of hope, highlighting the potential for individuals from marginalized communities to break barriers and contribute to the nation’s civil service.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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