CIVIL bureaucracy has long been a subject of harsh criticism. Many people see it as deeply flawed, often associating it with corruption, inefficiency, and misuse of authority. While some of these concerns are valid, it is important to remember that every system has two sides. Civil bureaucracy is no exception. On one hand, there are undeniable issues that must be addressed. Corruption and misuse of power exist and should be openly criticized. However, the other side of the picture is often overlooked. For many individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, joining the civil service is not just a career; it is a life-changing opportunity. It allows them to rise, serve society, and become a source of inspiration for future generations.
Over time, a negative narrative has been built around civil servants, especially among young aspirants. Many are led to believe that bureaucrats are inherently corrupt or powerless in front of politicians. Such ideas are often spread by those who once aimed to join the system but, after failing, turned against it. These narratives discourage capable youth from pursuing competitive exams, which ultimately weakens their cause. There’s much to learn from regions where civil servants are treated with more realistic expectations. In Punjab, for instance, bureaucrats are seen as regular public employees. During my university years in Islamabad, I shared a simple, unfurnished hostel room with a section officer from Lahore working at the Supreme Court. We both ate the same meals from the hostel mess and lived modestly.
That experience stood in stark contrast to how civil servants are perceived in Sindh, where societal expectations often exaggerate their importance and authority. If we genuinely want to reform the system, the change must begin with us. We need to recalibrate our understanding of civil servants not as superior beings or power brokers, but as functionaries within a larger administrative machine. Only when we stop placing them on a pedestal can we hold them accountable appropriately, expect service-oriented behaviour, and dismantle the toxic culture of power worship. Civil bureaucracy is not the enemy, and if we are sincere in our desire to build a just and efficient governance system, we must start by recognizing that civil servants, like all public employees, are here to serve, not to rule.
In conclusion, transforming our perception of the civil bureaucracy is essential for fostering a more accountable and service-oriented public sector. Instead of vilifying bureaucrats based on misconceptions or idolizing them beyond their functional role, we must strive for a balanced understanding that recognizes their limitations, responsibilities, and the systemic context in which they operate. Civil servants are not meant to be seen as rulers or untouchable elites, but as professionals tasked with implementing public policy. Lasting change will only come when we, as citizens, hold institutions accountable while also reforming our own societal attitudes that often elevate individuals above the system.
—The writer is a contributing columnist based in Hyderabad.
