From Engineering Fields to Executive Service: Engineer Majid Saleem’s Journey to Assistant Commissioner

The journey of civil service is rarely a straight line; more often, it is a demanding crucible that tests an individual’s resilience, focus, and willingness to sacrifice comfort for a greater purpose. For Engineer Majid Saleem, a proud son of Quetta, the path to becoming a civil servant required stepping away from established technical careers, enduring intense professional and physical strain, and remaining steadfast through uncertainty.

In an exclusive and deeply reflective conversation with Balochistan Stars, Majid shared his remarkable evolution—from his early education in Quetta to his engineering roots, and finally, to qualifying the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) exam and being allocated as an Assistant Commissioner (BCS Executive Group).

An Academic Foundation Rooted in Quetta

Majid’s educational journey began in Quetta, where he completed his matriculation at Crescent Public School and his intermediate studies at Tameer-e-Nau Public School and College. Coming from a family deeply rooted in academic and professional excellence—with his father serving as a professor and his brother as a doctor—intellectual discipline was instilled in him from an early age.

Though initially inclined toward technical fields, earning his engineering degree and starting a professional career, his family’s guidance and an inner desire to serve the administrative machinery of the state eventually redirected his ambitions toward the civil services.

Walking Away from Corporate Stability for a Greater Vision

Majid’s journey was defined by bold and difficult choices. After graduating, he cleared the written portion of his first PCS attempt while maintaining a rigorous study schedule. Soon after, he secured a position at OGDCL (Oil and Gas Development Company Limited) as an Assistant Engineer in Production, working in rugged field environments for three and a half years.

Balancing a demanding corporate engineering job in remote areas with competitive exam preparation proved immensely challenging. Recognizing that his ultimate vision of entering the civil service could not be realized while juggling a high-pressure field job, Majid took a decisive leap of faith. Despite hesitation from peers who viewed leaving a stable corporate job as a risk, he resigned from OGDCL to dedicate himself entirely to his goal.

Returning to Quetta, he served briefly as a Lab Engineer at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) while continuously testing his mettle across multiple competitive exams—topping the merit list for Assistant Director Industries through the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC), alongside qualifying several federal one-paper tests.

Overcoming Adversity and Securing Triumph

The road to the PCS examination demanded relentless dedication. Preparing tirelessly behind the desk took a heavy physical toll, resulting in a spinal disc bulge and chronic sciatic pain that required ongoing medical treatments and doctor visits. Yet, refusing to let physical strain or setbacks deter him, Majid pressed forward.

His perseverance finally bore fruit when the final results were announced: he successfully cracked the PCS examination and secured his allocation as an Assistant Commissioner.

A Vision for Youth Empowerment and Governance

Stepping into executive service, Majid recognizes the immense responsibility that comes with being a civil servant—not merely enjoying a position of prestige, but actively implementing state policies, streamlining administrative affairs, and serving the public with absolute honesty and commitment.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by the region’s youth, who often grapple with limited avenues and discouragement, Majid emphasizes the importance of discipline over temporary motivation. Moving forward, his primary focus in service remains deeply aligned with youth and women empowerment, believing firmly that a dedicated, well-guided youth is the true engine of national progress.

Balochistan Stars is immensely proud to honor Engineer Majid Saleem as an embodiment of true resilience, professional excellence, and unwavering determination.