Pakistan’s journey toward meaningful reform has been ongoing since inception, yet long-lasting and effective change remains elusive. One of the biggest obstacles is the country’s tendency to rush changes for short-term gains. This has been particularly evident in the case of civil service, where each successive government presents its own version of reforms that ultimately fail to bring about improvement.
Civil service is the engine that drives governance, and a competent and transparent civil service is essential for any functioning democracy. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s civil service has often been criticised for inefficiency, lack of accountability and a bureaucratic culture that resists change. A primary reason for this is the lack of a comprehensive, well-thought-out strategies. Each administration that comes to power proposes its own set of changes, with little regard for the continuity or long-term impact. For instance, the PTI-led coalition government appointed Dr. Ishrat Hussain in 2018 to oversee civil service reforms. Dr. Hussain proposed a range of recommendations, but they largely remained theoretical. Now, the newly formed Civil Services Reform Committee, led by Ahsan Iqbal, aims to tackle the same issues. The committee has pointed out flaws in the current exam structure, which prioritises rote memorisation over critical thinking and analytical skills. However, real reform requires more than just revising exams. It requires a shift in the entire approach to civil service, making it more transparent.
To do this, systematic reforms should be developed and implemented over a reasonable timeline, ideally three years or more. This approach would allow institutions like the Federal Public Service Commission to make meaningful changes without disrupting the current system. Rather than imposing changes suddenly, it would be fair to give candidates ample time to prepare for the new system.
Anas Tariq
Sadda, K-P
