Bureaucracy braced for major shake-up

Top officials likely to be replaced by new ones as elections approach

ISLAMABAD: With the name for interim prime minister yet to be finalised, bureaucratic corners are all set for shake-up in the interim set-up as federal and provincial governments have submitted names of senior officers to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The Establishment Division that looks into administrative matters including postings and transfers is preparing for the interim set-up and probable shuffling of civil servants at federal and provincial levels.

Senior bureaucrats talking to The Express Tribune revealed plans and preparations for the interim government that is likely to take reins by the end of the current month.



According to an officer, names of about 180 civil servants of district management and office management groups have been forwarded to the ECP.

About a month ago, the ECP contacted the Establishment Division and sought names of federal bureaucrats, besides writing to chief ministers for similar details.

“We have forwarded them the lists and now it is up to the caretaker set-up to make transfers where they deem it necessary,” said another officer, adding that under an interim government, the officers serving on key positions are usually transferred as new names provided by federal and provincial bureaucracies take charge.

He elaborated that after June 1, the interim PM will first change the secretary Establishment Division, the cabinet secretary, and the principal secretary to PM as well as the ministers for interior and finance.

“Usually chief secretaries, IGPs and deputy commissioners are replaced with new ones to ensure a transparent environment for general elections,” he said.  “The ECP oversees the whole process and makes intervention whenever necessary during these appointments and transfers.”

According to another officer, traditionally 60 to 70 officers in grades 19 to 22 from every province are expected to be relieved of their duties and replaced with new officers. “These are the officers who are considered movers and shakers in governments, especially in provinces,” said the officer.



Interestingly, the probable shake-up has sent shockwaves in the federal bureaucracy where senior civil servants are uncertain about their future posting.

“Now the situation has reached a point where officers working in different ministries are more curious to know about their fate than doing their usual business,” said another official, adding that several senior officers were contacting him for knowing their future course of action.

“There is total disarray in the federal and provincial bureaucracy as everybody wants to know where they stand in the interim set-up,” the official added.

As per the Constitution, the interim government will have 60 days since its inception to function and there is no legal extension. Meanwhile, the ECP comes up with the programme for the general election which it is going to unveil in next three weeks.