The bureaucratic set up in Pakistan is an extension of the legacy of the Indian Civil Service. The legacy can be analysed in both positive and negative terms. On the bright side, the civil servants before independence were highly competent, dutiful and efficient. On the dark side, they were known to be ruthless. The guiding principle was domination or exercise of authority and not service or performance of duty.
An incident reported from the Defence area of Karachi a few days ago exemplifies the dark side of the legacy. An assistant inspector general of the Counter-Terrorism Department was reported as having harassed a family, apparently without justification and jurisdiction. He later tried to defend his conduct on national TV. This speaks volumes about the training and efficiency of law enforcement agencies in Pakistan.
The courage shown by the victim family is worthy of praise. The matter should be investigated transparently and the family should get visible justice.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has been talking about reforming national institutions but sadly those in his team do not appear prepared for the promised reforms. Resultantly, no change has been brought about in the bureaucratic structure of Pakistan in the last eight months. Mr Khan has been an advocate of bringing change from top to bottom in every institution of the country but he has miserably failed in this regard.
Meritocracy should mark all inductions. Involving retired bureaucrats in recruitment procedures may promote nepotism
The perks and privileges these bureaucrats enjoy are beyond the imagination of ordinary citizens. They have been pampered for so long and to such an extent that a yawning gap can be seen between them and the ordinary citizens. Their attitude is not in accordance with the principles set by father of the nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in these words, “You are civil servants. 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 honour, integrity, justice, and fairplay.”
Prime Minister Imran Khan must act seriously and constitute a committee for reforms in civil administration. Policy and structural modifications are long due. The committee should include members from all parties irrespective of their support or opposition to the government as substantial reforms cannot be implemented without a political consensus. The civil administration runs the country. Governments come and go but if reform is undertaken in earnest in this area, the people of Pakistan will always remember Imran Khan.
Here are a few recommendations in view of international best practices and societal structure of Pakistan:
Introduce decentralization of power through legislation. Empower citizens through the local government system. This will help reduce the hegemony of bureaucrats.
Abolish the practice of deputation as it goes against the spirit of the right person for the right job.
Make the bureaucracy apolitical.
Handle corruption with an iron hand.
End the red tape.
The civil services academies should teach that Pakistan is no more a colony. It is an independent state, home to free people.
Meritocracy should mark all inductions. Retired bureaucrats should not be involved in recruitment as this may promote nepotism.
Do not allow an elite class whose members are biologically Pakistanis but culturally English. Restructure training courses in view of the norms of the Pakistani society. Discourage the stiff neck culture. Revisit the perks and privileges of bureaucrats.
Standards have deteriorated over time. The recent incident is must be an eye opener for policy makers.
The writer is a visiting lecturer at the International Islamic University, Islamabad