PM Khan promises depoliticisation of bureaucracy
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday announced his government's firm commitment towards structural reforms in the bureaucratic setup to make it efficient and responsive to the needs of time, Radio Pakistan reported.
The prime minister, while chairing a meeting of the Task Force on Civil Service Reforms in Islamabad, regretted the alleged heavy politicisation of the bureaucracy over the last 10 years, which he claimed had resulted in inefficiency and fostered fear among bureaucrats.
He promised that the bureaucracy would be depoliticised and insulated from all kinds of political pressures.
The prime minister said that the existing system of government could not compete with the private sector, where merit determined positions and seniority, adding that no system could sustain or deliver if accountability and merit were missing.
He stressed the need to promote professionalism in every sphere, and to restructure and reform the bureaucracy to make it pro-progress and innovative.
Imran Khan reiterated his government's commitment towards protecting the integrity and security of the tenure of bureaucrats so that they could devote their energies towards translating the government's political vision into reality.
The prime minister noted that although talent is abundant in the country, the existing system does not allow it to emerge. He stressed the need to attract "the best minds to serve the country".
He observed that the political class also needs to be trained to deal with changing times.
More details to follow.
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Comments (80) Closed
Feb 08, 2019 02:43pm
Leadership! PM has it in spades...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Feb 08, 2019 02:47pm
So PML(N) favorites would be out and PTI favorites in.
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Feb 08, 2019 02:48pm
I wouldn't say for last ten years, it's been in downward spiral for way longer than that.
I think it would be easier to a have a process in place to get rid of deadwood easily, quality and quantity in services is long overdue.
Pakistan needs leadership in all areas,, NOT just
the people who are just doing the jobs.
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Feb 08, 2019 02:53pm
Demilitarization is required first..
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Feb 08, 2019 02:53pm
That will be miracle. All the best for this great effort.
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Feb 08, 2019 02:55pm
Actions! speak louder the words
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Feb 08, 2019 02:57pm
I have faith in you, yes, you can do it..
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Feb 08, 2019 02:59pm
civil servant are the real managers of pakistan, their selection process should be well organized as those people can really put country on track. their selection process should included psychological evaluation too because if a person score high in exam doesnt mean that he or she have the ability to perform well in practical scenarios when in field. in nutshell all quality ingredients has to be present in the candidate to be eligible to perform as a civil servant and as a leader
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Feb 08, 2019 03:21pm
@Malatesh, why? Because we live in a lovely neighbourhood with lots of nice friends around us?
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Feb 08, 2019 03:30pm
It would be a great service to state of Pakistan, if PM Imran succeeds in depoliticization of the bureaucracy. But he needs parliamentary strength to do the needful. Hope both government and opposition take part in this milestone reform.
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Feb 08, 2019 03:30pm
Promises are free and need not be fulfilled by politicians
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Feb 08, 2019 03:32pm
Handsome PM
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Feb 08, 2019 03:33pm
As a PTI supporter I am little disappointed. More talk but little action.
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Feb 08, 2019 04:15pm
stop promising and start action.
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Feb 08, 2019 04:37pm
This is all for the consumption of the gullible public.
Firmly enconsconed in their little fiefdoms,Bureaucrats, themselves, are supremly indifferent to such sermons as they have seen many Imran Khans, in their lifetime, come and go.
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Feb 08, 2019 04:42pm
@Prateik, A very cheap comment. IK is calling for a transforming reform, suggest enhanced processes and procedures, training, recruitment, promotions, remunerations...etc. IK is an honest man and we trust him. And of course any and all dead wood and those stuck in the mud die hard PML-N non cooperating officials must be moved on retired. IK government need new blood to build Naya Pakistan.
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Feb 08, 2019 04:46pm
Impossible! You sir, have politicised it more than ever before.
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Feb 08, 2019 04:58pm
Merit was destroyed 40 years ago with the introduction of the quota system. Ever since, corruption, incompetence & oppression have become the hallmarks of the bureaucracy. I suspect that PM Khan has neither the will nor the vision to reform the civil services.
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Feb 08, 2019 04:58pm
What happened to Much hyped Dam Fund?
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Feb 08, 2019 04:59pm
Easier sais then done janaab. Right now there is no actionable decision on how and when to deal with matter. The bureacracy is all powerful and unfortunate almost all corrupt too. The only way is to announce immediate reforms that take them by surprise while devaluing their power through temporary concentration of authority in the centre via technocrats.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:02pm
I'm an ardent supporter of PTI but the event like Pakpattan and Islamabad cases made me think PTI can deliver on every front except on Depoliticization of Civil Service.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:10pm
@Gordon D. Walker, i would disagree, leadership is having a vision and roadmap to achieve it.. pm just makes random statements and no plans on how to implement, always promises of detailed roadmap next week which never comes...deafinitely better than ppp and pmln as they were equally incompetent and ik is honest but unfortunately for us not a good leader.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:20pm
Yes. Like all the other promises transpiring in to the thin air.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:28pm
Incompetent PM just makes daily promises!
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Feb 08, 2019 05:29pm
I hope beaurocracy means both civil and military beaurocracy.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:40pm
Knowledge based bureaucrats are essential.
Generalist bureaucracy is a thing of the past.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:44pm
@Ali, what is disappointing? Prime Minister Imran Khan and the PTI government are having to change a country that has been bankrupt financially, economically, and has all kinds of problems, this will take time. There are criminal elements within the opposing political parties, , religious extremism and all kinds of socio/economic issues, It doesn't happen in a few days. Your a PTI supporter Ali, what can you do also? Is there some positive way you can contribute to these Goals the country is aspiring to? What can we al do? Thank you for your comments.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:46pm
Even if he does know what he is talking about that is a promise impossible to keep. Politics is the nature of bureaucratic survival inside and outside the bureaucracy.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:46pm
@Swiss Neutral, IK is servant of Pakistan and a politician later. We have a belief that IK will do his damnest best and try to fulfill his election promises if the economy improves.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:53pm
No effort and vision required to make a promise. Carry On!
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Feb 08, 2019 05:56pm
Just like the first100-day promises? Well sure, bring this one on to.
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Feb 08, 2019 05:56pm
@Malatesh, amen
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Feb 08, 2019 06:01pm
Another promise :) what happen to previous promises?
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Feb 08, 2019 06:02pm
Only plus point of IK is that he is honest otherwise he and his team is working on trial end error without any plan
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Feb 08, 2019 06:17pm
A far cry which is almost impossible to be materialized in letter and spirit during his current term in office.
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Feb 08, 2019 06:18pm
Only solution is, give jobs on merit. No political party should be allowed to recruit any employee in any department.
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Feb 08, 2019 06:23pm
@M Naqvi , indeed.
Only one question
IK talks about justice, he talks about passion for poor, he talks about competence and efficiency in the system, he talks about growth and every thing that can put Pakistan on right direction/path. Why people criticize him. Something beyond my understanding.
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Feb 08, 2019 06:23pm
Imran Khan, the best thing that has happened to Pakistan since it's creation!
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Feb 08, 2019 06:32pm
Gr8! lots of well qualified/experts contributing to economies like US/Europe, bring such competent people to Pak, strengthen institutions and train the youth.
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Feb 08, 2019 06:33pm
Beautiful idea to train politicians in state craft. If i am not wrong once notable politicians and legislators use to attend some sort of training classes arranged by state institutions to help them to polish their outward behaviour and qualities and to horn their decision making skills.
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Feb 08, 2019 06:46pm
majority of tth current bureaucracy is not on merit but appointed on political basis. PPP and PMLN workers are working as bureaucrats on different positions in all governmental organizations. These bureaucrats would not make IK a successful PM. IK must replace bureaucrats gradually an bring people on merit only.
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Feb 08, 2019 07:22pm
I am very much impressed with Imran Khan's Performance sofar. His approach and directions of policies to solve Pakistan problems appear correct. It will be in everybody's interest to support him.
I am not affiliated to any political party.
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Feb 08, 2019 07:43pm
The weakness of the civil service is only one of the many factors constraining Pakistan’s progress but there is now broad argument that it is an important one that is in serious need of reforms, due to;
1. An over centralized organizational structure as well as rigid, often irrelevant & unevenly enforced rules.
2. An inappropriate skill mix
3. Seriously eroded internal accountability & lack of accountability to the public.
4. Politicization of civil service decision making
5. Tension and inedequate cooperation between different compartmentilized civil service cadres.
6. Widespread corruption.
7. Increasing public wage costs which are crowding out high priority non wage costs.
The civil service thus faces difficulties in fulfilling its current functions, moreover, it is not in a good position to adapt to future challenges.These interrelated problems are not amenable to piecemeal solutions but need to be tackled in a broad & sustained effort to change our public administration
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Feb 08, 2019 07:58pm
True. It is a mountain of work to undo the evil nexus built by the thieves from PMLN and PPP over last 40 years. Good luck.
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Feb 08, 2019 08:18pm
@Prateik, Whoever is better for Pakistan will be in.
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Feb 08, 2019 08:23pm
As long as the bureaucracy has devised complicated rules of any business to gain power and abuse the power to amass wealth depoliticisation won't improve economic conditions. Simplify the rules so that bureaucratic power is reduced and hence reduces corruption both by public and private sector and investment comes to Pakistan.
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Feb 08, 2019 08:29pm
IK is trying to bring in the western model of democracy. One piece of advise to IK - He should instead copy the Chinese model which suits more to Pakistanis mindset. We have become so corrupted that western political philosophy may not yield the intended result. Pakistan can not afford to experiment anymore. We as a nation have to move to the ladder ASAP without fail.
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Feb 08, 2019 08:43pm
If you want to make the system efficient and fast responsive... don't forget the introduction of modern technology in the system, in all govt departments, in all areas of public matters ...
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Feb 08, 2019 08:44pm
People are tired of promises ...... they want things done.
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Feb 08, 2019 08:45pm
Two key points that will change the destiny of the nation to be great again
'The prime minister noted that although talent is abundant in the country, the existing system does not allow it to emerge. He stressed the need to attract "the best minds to serve the country".
'He observed that the political class also needs to be trained to deal with changing times.'
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Feb 08, 2019 08:54pm
It does not cost anything to promise ..already have a mountain of fancy promises from the past. Over 6months into the Govt. and still figuring out what to to ?
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Feb 08, 2019 09:02pm
Good luck Mr. PM ! you stand a better chance of getting a camel through the eye of a needle than trying to change the mindset of semi literate bureaucrats but if there is a person who could do it,
it’s got to be you.
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Feb 08, 2019 09:13pm
The PM should not make such huge promises because the bureaucracy is so corrupt they have front men here in the US they send their money here to invest so they live a luxury life ever after because their"s is free money they dont care the rupee devalues or not they are the beneficiaries.I dont know how to fix them well I dont know.
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Feb 08, 2019 09:19pm
@A G Habib, how do you know that? Were you privy to government plans and decision making ? or are you just shooting from the hips? His government has been in power for a short time so don’t expect miracles, so far the signs are encouraging so be positive, good times are coming.
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Feb 08, 2019 10:01pm
@Prateik, If you don't like then shut up.
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Feb 08, 2019 10:02pm
@Ali, need 10 years.
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Feb 08, 2019 10:05pm
@wasim, Hey why don't you become the PM. Your favorites stole billions of $s. How much you received from the stolen money.
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Feb 08, 2019 10:15pm
First visionary PM who is determined to transform Pakistan. May all the powers and good luck be with him
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Feb 08, 2019 10:29pm
@atif, SO what do you want FARISHTA instead of higher marks,,,this is how everything goes good marks good job .
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Feb 08, 2019 10:39pm
Promises ! Promises ! The leadership of Fools !
Just DO ! Then speak !
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Feb 08, 2019 11:14pm
In Mr. U Turn Selected PM Dictionary, depoliticizing means he appoint all officers from PTI, and all bribe for posting comes to IK. That is called depoliticizing.
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Feb 08, 2019 11:39pm
Promises are the stuff of elections. Elected Leaders DO
And Fools are impressed by the Promises of the Elected
Do. More. Talk less.
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Feb 08, 2019 11:46pm
Probably time has come for Pakistan to change it's usual mindset. World is moving faster today. A lot has changed and a lot is going to change. Economy and finance is the most important sector today for any country. If we want to survive in this fast changing world then we need to make big changes in our system.
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Feb 08, 2019 11:49pm
First foremost is make a corruption free police stations where ordinary persons may visit for relief. Have exclusive women's police stations for women. Drive every institution with human values
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Feb 09, 2019 12:07am
@Parvez, your lot both PML-N and PPP could not change Pakistan for the better, over 40 years it went bad to worst and even more worst. Just over 6 months IK has changed perception from horrible to more positive and good. And with every passing day people feel that there is and honest government whose intentions are noble and honourable. Only time will tell if IK can steer Pakistan in the right direction with so much negativity from the opposition parties and their supporters.
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Feb 09, 2019 12:30am
@Moth, because he only talk and mak etall claims and forgets to walk the talk!!!
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Feb 09, 2019 12:32am
What a joke with bureaucracy, every one with approaches are now on secretaries posts and honest competents secretaries without approaches are sitting idle.
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Feb 09, 2019 12:44am
@Ali, action takes time or did you wanted action before PTI came in to power
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Feb 09, 2019 12:54am
Full fledged fully trained Expert computersied network monitored digitally opend for public awam media nation state staff competitive successive as Army strong orginastions.
2. every officer will serve only for state nation awam mulk country public not for politicians.
3. police also on same high merit Qualified educated eqiped with humanity peace justice on scientific bases, not as politicians only for development funds
5 untill no deveplment charges for MNAs MPAs senators and only for BD disst govts country cannot develop.
and all purifications are only fake dreams.
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Feb 09, 2019 01:04am
All this man is talk. All talk no action.
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Feb 09, 2019 01:59am
@Common Man, Very apt name you have, Common Man, it is Pakistan’s misfortune that people like you still go out and throw flowers on convicted and corrupt to the core politicians and next also complain about the lack of public services - health, education, transport, housing, food, water, electricity, jobs...
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Feb 09, 2019 02:18am
Mr PM, please remain true to your promises of not allowing any special treatment of VVIP’s, how can your government allow Arab Kings and Prince to hunt the endangered species and issue them the permits when you yourself criticized the previous government of doing the same. What changed ?
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Feb 09, 2019 03:05am
Hey that was my idea..
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Feb 09, 2019 03:40am
@Iffi, good point. Have you ever seen tangled headphone wires. I see many people untangling those wires before they could use head phone to listen music in the metro system. . That is what PLMn and PPP did with Pakistan system with corruption and nepotism. They tangled the whole system and unfortunately the IK has to untangle that mess before he and people could listen the music of propensity and growth.
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Feb 09, 2019 05:31am
@Prateik, yes they are already in and for real
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Feb 09, 2019 06:13am
So there will be no pressure on police in case f incidents like the one involving Mr. Swati ?
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Feb 09, 2019 07:24am
PM Khan is talk only and no action. While PM Modi is action first and then talk. If any doubts, remember the surgical strike he did to Pakistan? He did it first and then talked and informed Pakistan!
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Feb 09, 2019 07:35am
He has something to say every day
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Feb 09, 2019 07:49am
PTI miserably failed to depoliticize police in Punjab , Pakpattan and Sahiwal cases are the examples of the continuation of decades old & rotten system plus Nasir Durrani left the police reform committee due to ruler's interference in day to day in policing matters !
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Feb 09, 2019 08:15pm
No need to dwell into past rather focus on improving the situation if IK is really concerned
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