Need for better Foreign Service structure

The government should establish a high-powered entity to examine reform in the Foreign Service structure

Our Foreign Service structure induces a status quo that is not conducive to a Naya Pakistan. If we are ever going to have foreign venture capitalists explore artificial intelligence and technology opportunities in Pakistan seriously, we need Foreign Service personnel that, at minimum, can speak the Silicon Valley language. For all the sectors that Prime Minister Khan is keen for investments in, new age trade counsellors that can capably seek out and cement complex deals are needed.

The economy will worsen before its gets better. For one, Pakistan’s substantial image problem of being dangerous with extremist violence requires the whole state to build on the actions that it has undertaken finally.

Furthermore, global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have slid three years in a row, and the world economic growth that is already weak, will hover around 3.6% the next year. Despite the intentions of many governments being conveyed to PM Khan, private capital is hard-nosed, and chasing secure locations with promising returns. Of the gross FDI of USD 706 billion to developing countries in 2018, Pakistan’s share was 0.33%. Given our ground realities, this figure will not increase in the near future. Accounting for such realities in developing countries and those emerging from conflict, impacts investment funds that have been mushrooming in the West. They target financial return with social benefits for the disadvantaged. Environmental benefits are being sought as well. As a sizable chunk of the estimated USD 600 billion annual global philanthropy gets channelled through these dual return high risk tolerant non-traditional investments, there is a clear opportunity for Pakistan.

This is just one scenario where the Foreign Service can be pivotal in harnessing investments in health, education, clean energy and other sectors. But is it geared up to exploit these opportunities, in line with the PM’s vision? I would assess no.

In the decline of Pakistan’s general governance in recent decades, Foreign Service has been no exception. Most of the reporting concerns foreign policy issues. Most related newspaper articles are by retired ambassadors, whose dominant narrative equates shortcomings to policies and not personnel readiness or service structure. Even though the PM has emphasised that the bureaucracy must deliver unfailingly and it can trust and work with his government, the hard reality of civil service as a self-perpetuating oligarchy is obvious.

A robust self-sustaining economy is central to Pakistan’s success. Trite meetings and statements on economy are not enough and proactive actions with clearly measurable impact on investments and trade must be undertaken by the Foreign Service cadre, as a regular feature. Case in point, Australia combined its foreign affairs and trade into one service some years ago. When its diplomats negotiate on economic development resolutions at the UN, they do so with great effect.

Pakistan’s Foreign Service must be opened to competition. The positions of First Secretary and above should be advertised and qualified Pakistanis should be considered. Along with hiring of business development experts, evidence-based decision-making and risk-taking, along with accountability needs to be inculcated in the cadre. Cooperation amongst concerned government departments has to be enhanced as well. Foreign or domestic civil servants should not expect a conveyor belt progression.

The government should establish a high-powered entity, composed of respected experts from various fields, to comprehensively examine reform in the Foreign Service structure. This entity could be merged into the existing Task Force on Civil Service Reform. It should work closely with the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs Council, National Defence Council, and any other relevant national and international platforms that it deems to be helpful for consultation.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2019.

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