Govt finalises sweeping civil service reforms

Pakistan's federal government has finalized a comprehensive overhaul of the civil service, aimed at raising standards and increasing specialisation. The proposed changes include 11 new professional cadres, overhauling the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, and tying senior promotions to performance. The cost to implement the reforms is estimated at Rs11 billion.

The package was unveiled at a consultative session led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, attended by key stakeholders including former federal ministers and sector specialists. Key aspects of the proposed reforms include converting the Establishment Division into a Human Resource and Organisation Development Division, reducing federal decision-making levels from five to three, and implementing a National Executive Service (NES) structure for BS-20 and above posts.

The NES would involve open competition for five-year contracts against performance targets, with serving officers, private-sector professionals, and academics competing on equal terms. Performance-linked pay is also proposed for the federal secretariat, along with a retirement package and subsidized health insurance. The model draws on Pakistan Army human resource practices, including a multi-day competency-based assessment and a structured promotion system.

The CSS examination would remain, but candidates would have the option to take five compulsory papers in Urdu, with English proficiency remaining a screening requirement. The assessment criteria for the CSS would be published, and the recruitment cycle would be reduced to six months or less. The reforms also aim to increase affirmative measures for quotas in Balochistan, Sindh, minorities, and women, and recast the performance evaluation system.

The implementation committee would oversee the package's execution, with monthly reports to the prime minister and a target of full implementation within 120 days.