THIS is apropos of the letter, ‘Promotion policy’ (Feb 9) by Abdul Kabir Kazi. The bureaucracy is considered an agent of change.

The bureaucracy in Pakistan has always received laudatory comments for its role in initiating economic development and promoting political stability.

The bureaucratic elite and public institutions are expected to provide leadership, order and stability.

Again the Pakistani bureaucracy stood the test and fulfilled these expectations.

The print media started portraying bureaucracy as an instrument of oppression. This portrayal had an impact on public consciousness.

Bureaucrats were seen as being inimical to their interests. This is not true; yet the print media is right to contend that the bureaucracy must be changed and restructured from within.

This would be accomplished by restructuring public organisations to redefine their purposes, enhance accountability, provide incentives, re-organising distribution of power and, most importantly, change their cultures.

What is important to recognise is that the traditional concept of governance, i.e. hierarchical, authoritarian, and emphasising the chain of command, is undergoing a change.

Instead, reinvention is possible only through collaboration. But the fact is that the erstwhile DMG is least interested in such collaboration. Finally, it must be understood and appreciated that civil service is a profession where one is expected to work for the welfare of fellow citizens.

It is not simply managerial professionalism. It has an ethical and human dimension too.

RAJA HASSAN QAZI Larkana

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.