Tariq Mahmood Awan
Should Talented People Join the Civil Service in Pakistan?
There is an obsession with civil service in Pakistan. Then, it has structural reasons. The elemental reason is the obsessed desire to be part of the power that imbibes deep into the socio-cultural pattern of the society. Pakistanis love power. Then, the easiest way to be a part of power for most middle-class youth is to be a civil servant. Thus, hundreds and thousands of middle-class youth strive to be civil servants. Of course, the government has three organs: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The civil service is the permanent part of the executive and, thus, the central part of power in Pakistan.
Practically, the civil service in Pakistan is neither civil nor service. It is a power-ridden career. Accordingly, the CSS/PMS interviews carry the most hypocritical answers when most candidates reply they want to serve the nation. However, after joining the civil service, a new life begins—a life of perks and privileges but also of compromises, concessions and self-denials. Accordingly, most civil servants do not remain elated with the structural and administrative conflicts, confrontations, denials, disallowances, and disapprovals. However, a few of them remain highly pleased. Hence, but subjectively, the civil service is not designed for men of talent.
The civil service in Pakistan is a prestigious and influential institution that entices many young people who aspire to join its ranks. The civil service offers a range of benefits and opportunities, such as job security, social status, career advancement, influence over policy-making, access to resources, and perks and privileges. However, the civil service also has many challenges and drawbacks, such as corruption, nepotism, politicization, inefficiency, lack of accountability, and resistance to change. The obsession for the civil service among Pakistan Youth can be analyzed from four different perspectives: social, cultural, economic and administrative. This obsession is so pronounced that doctors, engineers, professionals, and almost all are imbibing CSS/PMS snake oil. Therefore, the business of academies is booming otherwise in a falling economy.
The civil service is seen as a source of social recognition and respect in Pakistan, where hierarchy and class are essential factors in determining one’s position and identity in society. The civil service provides a sense of belonging and pride to its members, who enjoy high social capital and network. The civil service also serves as a means of social mobility and empowerment for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who can overcome the barriers of poverty, discrimination, and marginalization by joining the elite bureaucracy. However, the civil service also creates social divisions and inequalities, as it reinforces the gap between the privileged few and the majority of the population. The civil service also fosters a culture of elitism and arrogance among its members, who tend to look down upon other professions and sectors. The civil service also isolates its members from the realities and needs of the people they are supposed to serve.
The civil service is influenced by the historical and cultural legacy of Pakistan, which colonialism, nationalism, Islamization, and militarization have shaped. The civil service inherited the traditions and values of the British Raj, which established a centralized and hierarchical bureaucracy that ruled over a vast and diverse territory. The civil service also reflects the nationalist aspirations and ambitions of Pakistan, which emerged as a separate state after a bloody partition from India. The civil service also incorporates Islam’s religious and ideological elements, which provides a common identity and framework for the Muslim majority of Pakistan. The civil service also adapts to Pakistan’s political and security dynamics, which has experienced frequent military interventions and conflicts with its neighbours. However, the civil service also lacks cultural diversity and innovation, as it tends to recruit and promote people from similar backgrounds and mindsets. The civil service also fails to respond to the changing cultural needs and expectations of the young generation of Pakistanis, who are more exposed to global trends and influences.
The civil service is driven by the economic incentives and opportunities it offers to its members. The civil service provides a stable and lucrative career path for young people facing uncertainty and market competition. The civil service also enables its members to accumulate wealth and assets through legal or illegal means, such as salaries, allowances, pensions, perks, bribes, commissions, etc. The civil service also controls allocating and distributing public resources and funds among various sectors and regions. However, the civil service also consumes a large share of the national budget and resources that could be invested in other areas such as education, health, infrastructure, etc. The civil service also hampers economic growth and development by creating bottlenecks and barriers for private sector initiatives and reforms. The civil service also contributes to economic disparities and injustices by favoring certain groups or interests over others.
The civil service is responsible for implementing and delivering public policies and services in Pakistan. The civil service plays a vital role in ensuring good governance and public welfare by performing various functions such as planning, coordination, regulation, monitoring, evaluation, etc. The civil service also bridges the government and the citizens by facilitating communication and feedback. However, the civil service also faces many administrative challenges and problems, such as lack of capacity, transparency, accountability, efficiency, effectiveness, etc. The civil service also experiences a lot of interference and pressure from political and martial authorities, who often dictate or override its decisions. The civil service also lacks autonomy and innovation, as it follows rigid and outdated rules and procedures.
Lastly, civil service in Pakistan is falling apart in the chess of power. The legislature, political executive, judiciary and other institutions have assailed more power. Therefore, if joining civil service is directly proportional to power, it is receding.
Now, should talented people join the civil service in Pakistan? Primarily, it is a subjective connotation. Then, the civil service in Pakistan needs to be more creative and imaginative. It mainly functions on the whims of power where people of conscience find it challenging to grasp the administrative techniques. First, civil service, then structures of Pakistani civil service still need to be developed for the men of talent. As far as my subjective conclusion is concerned, civil service in Pakistan is for mediocre people. It reflects mediocrity, the status quo, and a compromise on talent. Apart from lusty orientation, it has nothing to offer to talented people.
The civil service is a demanding and challenging career in Pakistan that requires a lot of sacrifices and compromises. It may not offer the flexibility and creativity that talented youth seek in their work. It may also expose them to various risks and pressures that may affect their physical and mental well-being. It may also not provide aesthetical, poetic and administrative justice to their dreams and passions. Therefore, talented youth should consider other options that suit their interests and abilities better and allow them to achieve their full potential and happiness. Lastly, a profession must provide happiness and satisfaction. Then, most civil servants in Pakistan are neither happy nor satisfied.
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