IN a bid to stabilize Pakistan’s faltering economy, the government has proposed sweeping amendments to the Civil Servants Act of 1973. These changes are a cornerstone of the broader strategy to streamline the public sector, reduce redundant positions, and restructure various departments. At the heart of this plan is a controversial right-sizing initiative that threatens the livelihoods of approximately 60,000 civil servants.
The proposed amendments aim to address the longstanding issues of inefficiency and overstaffing within the government, but the cost of these reforms may be too high. Many employees, particularly those in lower grades, are likely to find themselves in a surplus pool, with few options other than early retirement. While the government has promised a financial package for those affected, it offers little comfort to those facing an uncertain future.
The Ministry of Law has wisely advised against applying these changes retroactively, recognizing the potential legal challenges that could arise. However, the proposal to centralize pension control under the federal government raises serious concerns about the security of future pension benefits, further unsettling an already anxious workforce.
Economist Dr. Qaiser Bengali, once a member of the right-sizing committee, has voiced strong opposition to the government’s approach. He specifically criticizes the focus on downsizing lower-grade employees while higher-grade officers appear to be spared.
Dr Bengali’s resignation in protest underscores the inequities in the process, igniting further discontent among civil servants. Despite official assurances that all grades are being considered for downsizing, the fear of job losses and reduced benefits continues to loom large for many. The government must confront the very real possibility of social unrest stemming from these measures.
Additionally, the centralization of pension control could severely undermine trust in the government’s commitment to its employees, marking a troubling shift in the social contract between the state and its workers. The government’s strategy, while potentially beneficial in the long term, risks creating new problems that could exacerbate existing economic and social challenges.
While the government’s austerity measures may be driven by economic necessity, the approach threatens to worsen economic and social instability, particularly for the most vulnerable civil servants. As these amendments move forward, it is imperative that the government carefully considers the broader implications of its policies, ensuring that the pursuit of economic stability does not come at the cost of social justice and equity.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Turbat, Balochistan.
