Umair Pervez Khan,
Current bureaucratic structure of Pakistan is the extension of legacy of the Britain civil
Services. The English bureaucratic legacy can be analyzed both in positive and negative
terms. The civil administration pre-independence was highly competent, dutiful and
efficient. While its darker side was that British bureaucracy erstwhile was ruthless and its
system was mired in red tape. It was “domination or exercise of authority instead of service
or performance of duty.”
Incident that took place in Defense area of Karachi a few days back, clearly depicts the
darker side of the legacy. Unfortunately, post-independence civil administration has been
influenced by the negative side of the British colonial legacy. Now, 70 years have passed
and the “red tape, elitist mindset” has prevailed and strengthened in the civil services of
Pakistan.
In specific incident a high ranked officer of AIG level, of counter-terrorism department has
acted with pure elitist mindset, abusing the power and harassing a family, apparently with
no just reason and outside his duty jurisdiction, later trying to justify his act on national TV
is disappointing. This speaks volume about the training and efficiency of law enforcement
agency in Pakistan. The resistance and courage shown by the target family is worthy of
praise and the matter should not only be investigated but the family should also be served
with justice which should be visible.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had been talking about the reforms in the institutions after
coming into the power but sadly his team (same one which tried to fix problems of Pakistan
in president Musharraf’s time), did not prepare for the promised reforms. Resultantly, no
change has been inculcated into bureaucratic structure of Pakistan in last 8 months. Mr.
Khan has been an advocate of bringing change from top to bottom in every institute of the
country which he has miserably failed in till date. The mindset that is stronger than any
“Mafia” is still prevailing and unfortunately is deep-rooted enough in the hierarchy of the
bureaucratic institutions that is if not impossible than is almost impossible to change.
The perks and privileges these bureaucrats enjoy are beyond imagination of an ordinary
citizen. They have been obliged to such an extent that a visible gap can be observed
between ordinary citizens of Pakistan and so-called civil servants. Their attitude is not in
accordance with the principles set by father of the nation Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah in these words, “You are civil servants and do your duties as servants. You do not
belong to the ruling class; you belong to the servants. Make the people feel that you are
their servants and friends, maintain the highest standard of honor, integrity, justice and
fair-play.” Alas! The integrity, justice, honor and fair play are nowhere in today’s
bureaucracy, with few exceptions.
Prime minister Imran khan must act seriously and constitute a committee headed by
himself for reforms in civil administration as policy and structural modifications are long
due. The said committee should include members from all parties irrespective of their
affiliations as it is a national matter and it cannot be implemented until greater political
consensus is not secured. Civil administration is the actual institution which runs the
country. Governments come and go but if reform in this area is done, Imran Khan will
surely be remembered by people of Pakistan.
Here are a few recommendations in view of the international guidelines and societal
structure of Pakistan:
Introduce decentralization of the power through legislation. Empower citizens
through local government system. This will help to reduce hegemony of bureaucrats.
Deputation culture in services must be abolished as it is against the essence of “right
person for the right job”.
Make the bureaucracy Apolitical. (Unfortunately, no visible change has been seen in
“Naya Pakistan”).
Handle corruption of bureaucrats with iron hand though, it be financial moral or
excessive use of power.
Admonish the red tape culture.
Norms and ethics refreshing courses should be incorporated into the civil services
academies. It should be made realized in academies that Pakistan is no more a “colony’
rather it’s an independent state with free people enjoying democracy in 21 st century.
Implement meritocracy in induction procedure. Currently the retired bureaucrats
are involved in the recruitment procedures. This may promote nepotism. It should be
unbiased and just.
Don’t create elite class who are biologically Pakistanis but culturally English.
Training courses must be restructured keeping in view the norms of the society of Pakistan.
The stiff neck culture must be discouraged and revisit the perks and privileges these
bureaucrats enjoy as these privileges have alienated civil servants from ordinary people.
This gap is increasing and is dangerous for the social fabric of the society.
Concluding, standard of bureaucracy has deteriorated over time and now has reached to
this level that citizens are feeling hatred against civil servants. The recent incident is one of
many which happen on daily basis. It must be an eye opener for policy makers. If, Pakistan
must become a developed nation then the way to its progress is strict reforms in
institutions especially civil administration. It’s the right time for these reforms else
Pakistan won’t be able to get maximum benefit out of projects like CPEC as it all depends
upon efficient administration.
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(The writer is an M.Phil graduate in International Relations and currently serving as a
visiting lecturer at the IIUI.)