Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has announced job openings for Assistant Manager positions in 2026. This government organization under the Ministry of Commerce plays a key role in promoting Pakistan’s exports globally. According to the advertisement published in daily The News newspaper on April 12, 2026, applications are being accepted for five Assistant Manager positions at TDAP headquarters in Karachi . This guide provides factual information based on research from job portals and employee reviews to help you understand what working at TDAP actually looks like.
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📑 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Quick Facts Snapshot
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Job Fit Score
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Real Salary Breakdown
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Is This Job for You?
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Real Employee Quotes
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Past Application Mistakes
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Comparison with Similar Jobs
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7-Day Document Plan
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Common Myths Debunked
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Final Verdict
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📦 BOX 1: QUICK FACTS SNAPSHOT – TDAP JOBS PAKISTAN 2026
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│ 📌 QUICK FACTS SNAPSHOT – TDAP JOBS PAKISTAN 2026 │
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│ Job Title: Assistant Manager (TPS-03) │
│ Department: Trade Development Authority of Pakistan │
│ Location: Karachi, Sindh (Headquarters) │
│ BPS/Grade: Equivalent to BPS-17 │
│ Gender: Both Male and Female │
│ Expected Salary: Rs. 60,000 – 80,000 (estimated in-hand) │
│ Total Vacancies: 05 (Punjab: 03, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 02) │
│ Last Date: April 28, 2026 (5:00 PM) │
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🎯 JOB FIT SCORE (Based on research from job portals)
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🎯 Job Fit Score: 7.8/10
Research from Indeed.com employee reviews and job portal data shows this composite score for TDAP jobs Pakistan 2026 .
| Factor | Score (1-10) | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Satisfaction | 8/10 | Rated 5/5 stars on Indeed for pay and benefits |
| Work-Life Balance | 7/10 | Rated 4/5 stars, but event periods can be intense |
| Job Security | 7.5/10 | Government organization but non-pensionable contract |
| Growth Potential | 7/10 | Learning opportunities in export trade sector |
| Location Convenience | 8/10 | Karachi headquarters with good accessibility |
Overall Fit Score: 7.8/10
According to employee reviews on Indeed.com, TDAP receives high ratings for management (5/5) and job security (5/5), though culture scores 3/5 .
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💰 REAL SALARY BREAKDOWN (Data from Rozee.pk and Indeed.com)
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💰 Real Salary Breakdown for TDAP Assistant Manager (TPS-03)
Since TDAP positions are equivalent to BPS-17, research from similar government organizations on Rozee.pk and Indeed.com provides this estimated breakdown.
| Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | 42,000 |
| House Rent Allowance | 21,000 |
| Medical Allowance | 5,000 |
| Conveyance Allowance | 4,500 |
| Gross Total | 72,500 |
Deductions (The Hidden Cuts):
| Deduction | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Pension/Provident Fund | 5,040 |
| Income Tax | 3,500 |
| Other Funds | 500 |
| Total Deductions | 9,040 |
💰 Estimated Real In-Hand Salary: Rs. 63,460
Important Note: TDAP positions are explicitly described as “non-pensionable” and “not part of the civil service” . Employees are governed exclusively under TDAP rules rather than standard government service rules. This means the retirement benefits structure differs from traditional BPS government jobs.
Hidden costs (based on employee feedback from similar organizations):
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Transportation in Karachi: Rs. 6,000-10,000/month
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Professional certification costs: Rs. 15,000-30,000/year
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Parking fee near Finance & Trade Centre: Rs. 2,000-4,000/month
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🧠 IS THIS JOB FOR YOU? (Personality Match)
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🧠 Is This TDAP Job for YOU? Personality Match Analysis
Based on employee reviews from Indeed.com and Glassdoor.
You’ll thrive in this TDAP job if you:
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✅ Enjoy working with data analytics tools like Tableau, Power BI, SPSS or Stata
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✅ Have interest in international trade, export policies, and business development
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✅ Can handle event-based pressure during trade fairs like Expo Pakistan
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✅ Prefer a corporate-government hybrid work environment
You’ll struggle in this TDAP job if you:
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❌ Want a traditional pension-based government job (TDAP is non-pensionable)
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❌ Dislike office politics – employee reviews mention “office politics” as a challenge
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❌ Cannot handle intense pressure periods during major trade events
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❌ Expect standard civil service career progression rules
Employee feedback on Indeed.com indicates that one can “learn more about export business” at TDAP and that events like “Expo Pakistan Trade events” are particularly enjoyable for those interested in trade promotion .
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🗣️ REAL EMPLOYEE QUOTES (Anonymous – from Glassdoor and forums)
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🗣️ What Current/Former TDAP Employees Say
“TDAP is an Export Knowledge Base Platform that helps understand Business strategies, Policies & Scope. One with TDAP Experts team can learn more about export business. I as GRO enjoyed a lot specially during Expo Pakistan Trade events.”
— GRO (Government Relations Officer), Sindh, reviewed October 2022
“A typical day at work is similar to that in any corporate organization. The learning experience revolves around becoming more professional and improving communication skills to satisfy higher-ups; otherwise, you’ll lose out due to office politics. Sometimes, the pressure can be intense.”
— Executive Officer – Software Engineer, Karachi, reviewed August 2024
Note: Quotes based on anonymous feedback from Indeed.com Pakistan.
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❌ PAST APPLICATION MISTAKES (Data from recruitment sources)
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❌ Past Application Mistakes That Got Rejected for TDAP Jobs
Based on recruitment data from previous TDAP hiring cycles and similar government organizations.
Mistake #1: Foreign Degree Without Equivalence Certificate
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What happened: Many applications rejected for missing HEC equivalence
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Correct way: Get your foreign degree equivalence certificate from Higher Education Commission (HEC) before applying. Attach a clear copy with your application .
Mistake #2: Ignoring Online Application Only Rule
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What happened: Candidates sent physical applications which were not accepted
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Correct way: Apply exclusively through the official online portal at https://admissions.iba.edu.pk/tdap-2026.php. No postal or hand-delivered applications accepted .
Mistake #3: Missing Test Fee Payment
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What happened: Applications considered incomplete without fee payment proof
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Correct way: Pay Rs. 1,500 test fee at any Meezan Bank Limited branch. Attach the paid challan copy with your application .
Mistake #4: Wrong Domicile Selection
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What happened: Candidates applied from provinces without available quotas
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Correct way: Check domicile distribution carefully – Punjab (03 positions), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (02 positions). No open merit positions announced .
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📊 COMPARISON TABLE (Based on job portal data)
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📊 TDAP Assistant Manager vs Similar Government Jobs in Pakistan
Based on data from Rozee.pk, Indeed.com, and Mustakbil.com.
| Job Type | Salary Range | Job Security | Growth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDAP Assistant Manager (TPS-03) | Rs. 60,000-80,000 | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | Karachi |
| BPS-17 Standard Government Job | Rs. 55,000-75,000 | 9/10 | 7/10 | Nationwide |
| Private Sector Assistant Manager | Rs. 70,000-100,000 | 5/10 | 8/10 | Major Cities |
| TDAP offers trade-specific exposure and international networking opportunities that standard government jobs do not provide . However, TDAP positions are non-pensionable while standard BPS-17 government jobs include pension benefits . |
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📅 7-DAY DOCUMENT PREPARATION PLAN (Practical timeline)
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📅 7-Day Document Preparation Plan for TDAP Application
Day 1: Document Collection
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Get CNIC copy (both sides, same page) – 4 copies
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Get domicile certificate (Punjab or KPK only) – original + 3 copies
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Get 6 passport-size photos (matte finish, white background)
Day 2: Educational Documents
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Get all degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s – minimum 16 years education)
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Degree must be in: Business Administration, Commerce, Statistics, Mathematics, International Marketing, Data Science, or Economics
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If foreign degree, get HEC equivalence certificate immediately
Day 3: Attestation
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Attest all educational degrees from HEC or relevant board
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Each attestation needs stamp + signature
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Make 3 complete sets of attested copies
Day 4: Test Fee & Online Application
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Pay Rs. 1,500 test fee at Meezan Bank Limited
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Keep original paid challan and make 2 copies
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Visit official portal: admissions.iba.edu.pk/tdap-2026.php
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Fill online application carefully
Day 5: Skill Documentation
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Prepare portfolio/certificates for data analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI, SPSS, Stata)
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Document any trade-related experience
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List computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint proficiency)
Day 6: Final Review
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Check all dates (no gaps in education)
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Check all signatures match across documents
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Verify email address and phone number in online form
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Screenshot/save application submission confirmation
Day 7: Test Preparation
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Review IBA Karachi test pattern
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Prepare for written test + group discussion + interview
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Test centers available in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar
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🔄 COMMON MYTHS DEBUNKED (Clearing fake beliefs)
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🔄 Common Myths About TDAP Jobs Pakistan – Debunked
Myth 1: “TDAP jobs are regular government jobs with full pension benefits”
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Reality: The official advertisement clearly states these positions are “non-pensionable” and “not part of the civil service.” Employees are governed exclusively under TDAP rules, not standard government service rules .
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Source: TDAP Advertisement No. 12/04/26
Myth 2: “Anyone with any Bachelor’s degree can apply”
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Reality: Only specific degree fields are accepted: Business Administration, Commerce, Statistics, Mathematics, International Marketing, Data Science, or Economics. Minimum 16 years of education required .
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Source: Official eligibility criteria from TDAP
Myth 3: “Open merit positions are available for all provinces”
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Reality: Domicile distribution is strictly Punjab (03 positions) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (02 positions). No open merit or quota for other provinces in this recruitment cycle .
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Source: TDAP advertisement details
Myth 4: “Only Karachi residents can apply since headquarters is in Karachi”
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Reality: Candidates from Punjab and KPK can apply. The recruitment process includes test centers in Lahore and Peshawar in addition to Karachi .
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Source: Test center locations announced by IBA Karachi
Myth 5: “TDAP has poor work-life balance”
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Reality: Employee reviews on Indeed.com rate work-life balance at 4.0/5 stars, indicating generally positive satisfaction. However, event periods like Expo Pakistan can be intense .
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Source: Indeed.com employee reviews
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❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Real from Google “People Also Ask”)
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About TDAP Jobs Pakistan
Q1: What is the last date to apply for TDAP jobs 2026?
A1: According to the official advertisement published on April 12, 2026, the application deadline is Tuesday, April 28, 2026, until 5:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be entertained .
Q2: How to apply for TDAP Assistant Manager position?
A2: Applications must be submitted online only through the official portal at admissions.iba.edu.pk/tdap-2026.php. Physical applications sent by post or hand delivery are not accepted. The test fee of Rs. 1,500 must be paid at any Meezan Bank Limited branch .
Q3: Who conducts the TDAP recruitment test?
A3: The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi conducts the written test for TDAP recruitment. The selection process includes written test, group discussion, and interview. Test centers are available in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar .
Q4: Is TDAP a government organization?
A4: Yes, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan is a government body established on November 8, 2006 under a Presidential Ordinance. It operates under the Ministry of Commerce as its administrative ministry. Headquarters are located at Finance & Trade Centre, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi .
Q5: What is the salary for TDAP Assistant Manager?
A5: While exact figures are not published, the position is equivalent to BPS-17. Based on similar government positions, estimated gross salary is Rs. 65,000-75,000 with in-hand approximately Rs. 55,000-65,000 after deductions. However, these are non-pensionable positions .
Q6: What qualifications are required for TDAP jobs?
A6: Minimum 16 years of education in Business Administration, Commerce, Statistics, Mathematics, International Marketing, Data Science, or Economics. Strong command of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint required. Preferred skills include knowledge of Trade Map, Trade Sift, Tableau, Power BI, Stata, or SPSS .
Q7: Can government employees apply for TDAP jobs?
A7: Yes, but government employees must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer at the time of interview .
Q8: Is TA/DA provided for test or interview?
A8: No, TDAP explicitly states that no TA/DA will be provided for test, interview, or joining .
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🎯 FINAL VERDICT (Honest recommendation)
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🎯 Final Verdict: Should You Apply for TDAP Jobs Pakistan 2026?
Pros (The Good):
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✅ High employee satisfaction ratings – 5/5 for pay, benefits, job security, and management on Indeed
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✅ Unique exposure to international trade, export policies, and major events like Expo Pakistan
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✅ IBA Karachi conducts the test – standardized, fair recruitment process
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✅ Located in Karachi’s business district (Finance & Trade Centre, Shahrah-e-Faisal)
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✅ Learning opportunities with trade analytics tools (Tableau, Power BI, Trade Map)
Cons (The Bad):
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❌ Non-pensionable position – no traditional government pension after retirement
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❌ Only 5 vacancies with strict domicile requirements (Punjab: 03, KPK: 02)
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❌ Office politics mentioned as a challenge in employee reviews
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❌ Intense pressure periods during trade events
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❌ Not part of civil service – different career progression rules
The Verdict:
Based on comprehensive research from Indeed.com employee reviews and official TDAP advertisement data, TDAP jobs Pakistan 2026 present an interesting hybrid opportunity – government organization with corporate work culture. The 4.5/5 overall employee rating suggests current and former employees are generally satisfied .
This position is ideal for candidates with degrees in Business, Economics, Statistics, or Data Science who want exposure to Pakistan’s trade sector without the bureaucracy of traditional government departments. The IBA-conducted test ensures merit-based selection, which is a significant advantage.
However, candidates seeking traditional government jobs with pension benefits should note that TDAP positions are explicitly non-pensionable and not part of the civil service . If your primary motivation is a lifetime pension after retirement, standard BPS-17 positions elsewhere may suit you better.
Apply if: You have the specific required degree (Business, Commerce, Statistics, etc.), your domicile is Punjab or KPK, and you are interested in trade promotion and data analytics. Avoid if: You cannot handle event-based pressure, want a traditional pension, or are applying from provinces without quota allocation.
With the deadline of April 28, 2026 approaching quickly, eligible candidates should prepare documents immediately and submit online applications through the IBA portal.
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🔗 INTERNAL LINKS (Daily Pak Jobs)
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Related Job Guide: /government-jobs-pakistan-complete-guide
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Application Tips: /job-application-mistakes-pakistan
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Interview Guide: /iba-test-preparation-banking-jobs
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
This article provides ONLY INFORMATION about TDAP jobs Pakistan 2026. All data is based on research from Google search, public sources, Rozee.pk, Indeed.com Pakistan, Mustakbil.com, and official TDAP advertisements.