Ahsan Iqbal Goes After Bureaucrats

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal advocated for promoting bureaucrats based on performance and competence instead of seniority. At a multi-party consultation on civil service reforms, Iqbal disclosed a proposed framework with 46 recommendations, 43 of which received broad consensus. The reforms aim to establish a more specialized, merit-based, and accountable civil service suited to Pakistan's economic, technological, and development needs.

The suggested changes include creating specialized professional groups in sectors like health, education, finance, IT, agriculture, engineering, and commerce. Iqbal highlighted that the existing system often places officers in fields that don't align with their academic or professional expertise, and the new model would enable civil servants to develop long-term expertise in their designated sectors.

The framework also advocates for measurable performance indicators and outcome-based assessments to link career progression to actual results. Additionally, Iqbal proposed a more inclusive recruitment system, expressing concern that an undue focus on advanced English proficiency might disadvantage capable candidates from less privileged educational backgrounds.

His ultimate goal was to foster a professional and citizen-focused administration capable of translating government policies into tangible development outcomes.