With women quoting domestic pressure and delayed starts, a decision adopted in the National Assembly aims to raise the CSS age limit to 35, and the number of attempts at five-with-one who pay tribute to it as a prolonged measure to level the rules of the game and others who warn that they can anchor youth in a narrow career path while ignoring deeper reform question.

While the government has expressed a desire to bring reforms to the public service system, public opinion seems sharply divided.

Many on social media have questioned wisdom by expanding the age limit and arguing that it can encourage aspirants to spend most of their lives chasing a single exam rather than diversifying their efforts.

“This could mean wasting precious years preparing for an uncertain opportunity,” commented an official online.

However, legislators called on the government to implement the changes immediately so that young candidates can prepare in accordance with the new rules.

PML-N MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, who leads the young parliamentarians forum, said that several aspirants were disqualified this year due to delayed exam results, which meant they exceeded the age limit before they could apply again.

In a speech with the BBC, iftikhar noted that many of those who approached her were women who had to interrupt CSS preparation due to marriage, motherhood or domestic responsibilities.

“It was condescending to hear their stories. Given the financial restrictions in the country, we have not been able to offer our youth the kind of opportunities they deserve,” she said.

Chaman Sandhu, a user on social media, praised the speed as one that could lead to a more fair and transparent research process.

However, others were more critical. A user wrote, “what we need is reform in the CSS structure, not just decisions. The core problem is with the bureaucracy itself, generalists should give way to specialists”.