PM Shehbaz Sharif Forms Committee to Finalize Major Civil Service Reforms
In a significant move toward improving governance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee to refine and finalize key proposals for overhauling Pakistan’s civil service structure.
The decision came after the Planning Ministry presented its final set of reform recommendations during a detailed briefing held on Thursday, according to a report by The Express Tribune.
Key Areas of Focus: Recruitment, Training & Incentives
The proposed reforms aim to modernize various aspects of civil service, including:
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Merit-based recruitment
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Specialized training programs
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Institutional capacity enhancement
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Performance-based monetary incentives
The prime minister emphasized the need for reforms that are both efficient and citizen-centric, calling for modern technology integration to help streamline governance and improve service delivery.
Pyramid Structure Under Consideration
One of the critical elements under review is whether to retain the existing civil service hierarchy or transition to a pyramid structure similar to that used in the military.
For context, the military promotes 100% of officers to the rank of Major, but only around 5% reach Major General. This model is being considered as a way to enhance competitiveness and performance in the public sector.
Cluster-Based Recruitment Proposed
To improve specialization, the Planning Ministry also proposed a cluster-based recruitment system that would divide the civil service into three major streams:
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General Administration
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Financial Services
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Information Management
This approach is expected to ensure that civil servants are better aligned with the skills and expertise required for their roles.
Timeline and Next Steps
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the committee to submit the final recommendations within one month. The updated framework should reflect a clear commitment to:
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Meritocracy
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Digital transformation
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Public service excellence
Towards a Smarter, More Efficient Government
These reforms represent a crucial step toward revitalizing Pakistan’s civil service and making it more responsive to the needs of the people. If implemented effectively, they could pave the way for more transparent, efficient, and accountable governance in the years ahead.
