LAHORE: Probationary officers of the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) at the Pakistan Civil Services Academy (CSA) on Saturday took part in a policy dialogue with Director Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Akbar Nasir Khan and later attended the 7th National Olive Gala, Islamabad as part of their professional exposure and leadership development programme.
A group of ten probationary officers, accompanied by Director CTP Dr Syed Shabir Akbar Zaidi, met Mr Khan for an interactive discussion aimed at deepening their understanding of public policy and institutional leadership. During the session, the Director FIA shared his experience on policy formulation, institutional decision-making and the operational realities of working in senior public sector roles.
Mr Khan spoke in detail about key governance challenges facing the country, stressing the importance of inter-institutional coordination and effective implementation of laws. He highlighted the evolving role of civil servants in strengthening transparency, accountability and the rule of law, and underlined the need for professionalism and ethical conduct in public office. The probationary officers were also briefed on career progression within the civil service, the demands of leadership positions and the responsibilities that come with authority. The discussion provided the trainees with a practical perspective on balancing policy objectives with administrative constraints, and managing public expectations in complex institutional settings.
Following the policy engagement, the officers attended the 7th National Olive Gala held in Islamabad on the same day. The visit reflected CSA’s effort to familiarise future policymakers with emerging sectors that hold economic and environmental significance for the country, particularly sustainable agriculture.
At the event, the probationary officers visited stalls showcasing olive cultivation practices, modern processing technologies and a range of value-added olive products from different regions of Pakistan. They interacted with farmers, processors and sector experts to gain first-hand insight into challenges faced by the olive industry, including access to modern farming methods, processing infrastructure, market linkages and the need for supportive policies.
Experts at the gala described olives as a high-potential, climate-resilient crop suitable for rain-fed and marginal lands. They noted that the sector offers opportunities for agricultural diversification, rural income generation, export growth and improved public health outcomes.
The gala, organised by Dr Tariq, attracted participation from both local and foreign stakeholders, highlighting growing international interest in Pakistan’s olive sector. Dr Zaidi said such exposure visits help bridge the gap between policy formulation and ground realities. The probationary officers reaffirmed their commitment to applying these learning experiences in their future roles in public service.
