It is an unfortunate reality for Pakistan that the country rarely undertakes necessary reforms without external pressure.
Earlier this week, the federal cabinet approved tweaks to the Civil Servants Act, 1973, mandating asset declarations from government officials of grades BPS 17 to 22. A commendable step toward enhancing transparency within Pakistan’s bureaucracy, the decision follows a demand of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for public officials to disclose their domestic and international assets.
The appreciable shift toward accountability, however, is marred by having been achieved only after external prompting from the IMF rather than originating from internal reforms. This underscores a persistent reluctance within our system to self-regulate and promote transparency.
There have been several failed attempts to implement similar asset declaration requirements for bureaucrats. In 2021, the Pakistan Information Commission directed the Establishment Division to disclose details of assets owned by civil servants. The initiative failed due to resistance from the Establishment Division, which claimed it risked civil servants’ interests.
In 2024, the PIC again directed the Establishment Division to publicize information about bureaucrats who failed to submit mandatory asset declarations. This, too, collapsed, highlighting a deep-seated aversion to transparency within the bureaucracy—and encouraging perceptions of corruption within government Pakistan’s public service.
Implementing comprehensive asset declarations can significantly bolster public confidence in government institutions. Transparency serves as deterrent to corrupt practices, ensuring officials remain accountable. Assurances of the integrity of public servants encourages trust of citizens, strengthening the social contract between the government and its people.
Unfortunately, corruption remains a pervasive issue in Pakistan, eroding public trust and hindering economic progress. Asset disclosures of government functionaries counter the threat by promoting a culture of accountability. If implemented effectively, this can lead to a more efficient allocation of resources, improved public services, and a more attractive environment for investment.
Achieving complete transparency requires a uniform expansion of this initiative. All government officials, irrespective of rank, should be required to declare their assets to discourage all forms of corruption. If citizens see all government officials paying their due share of taxes, it can encourage them to fulfill their tax obligations. A country struggling to ensure tax compliance cannot afford otherwise.
Under pressure of the IMF, Pakistan has taken a first step toward transparency of its public servants. It must now expand on this to encourage a culture of transparency and accountability, essential for the country’s economic prosperity.