Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposes reforms to promote bureaucrats based on performance and competence.
- The reforms aim to create a more specialized and merit-based civil service.
- The proposed framework includes 46 recommendations, with broad agreement on 43 of them.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has proposed a new framework for civil service reforms, emphasizing performance and competence over seniority.
Speaking at a multi-party consultation on civil service reforms on Saturday, Iqbal outlined the 46 recommendations, with 43 of them achieving broad agreement.
The reforms aim to transform the civil service into a more specialized, merit-based, and accountable body capable of addressing Pakistan’s economic, technological, and development challenges.
Iqbal proposed the creation of specialized professional cadres in areas such as health, education, finance, information technology, agriculture, engineering, and commerce.
The current system often places officers in fields unrelated to their academic background or professional expertise, according to Iqbal.
The proposed model would enable civil servants to develop long-term expertise in specific sectors, enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency.
The framework also includes measurable performance indicators and outcome-based assessments to link career progression with actual results.
Iqbal called for a more inclusive recruitment system, arguing that excessive emphasis on advanced English proficiency can disadvantage capable candidates from less privileged educational backgrounds.
The ultimate objective is to build a professional and citizen-focused administration that can translate government policies into measurable development results.
