Pakistani Bureaucracy and Political Neutrality: A Mutually Exclusive Phenomenon?

Abstract

This paper examines the reasons for the early dominance of the bureaucratic élite in Pakistan and the downsizing that was brought about by the administrative reforms of 1973. The perceptions of bureaucrats and ministers indicate that loyalty to political establishment is now regarded a crucial requirement in a bureaucrat. This shift from the principle of political neutrality to the practice of political allegiance has affected both the development agenda as well as the institutions of the country.

Retooling governance for improving public service delivery: Case study of right to public services commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…The bureaucracy and the military dominate state power, and Hussain and Hussain (1993, p. 1) state that “within [the] state apparatus, the bureaucracy and the military have so far been lumped as co‐sharers of the piece of the power cake that has accrued to the ‘state apparatus’ as opposed to the political elites in the civil society.” However, they add that over time, there have been changes in the balance of power between the military and the bureaucracy within the state structure. This is evident from the fact that, in administrative terms, decision making in Pakistan involves multi‐layered bureaucratic channels and is more elite‐centric than public‐focused (Tanwir & Fennell, 2010). Politicians and bureaucrats typically show greater interest in rent‐seeking than delivering public services, which results in inefficiencies that tarnish public trust in government.…”

“…However, they add that over time, there have been changes in the balance of power between the military and the bureaucracy within the state structure. This is evident from the fact that, in administrative terms, decision making in Pakistan involves multi-layered bureaucratic channels and is more elite-centric than public-focused (Tanwir & Fennell, 2010). Politicians and bureaucrats typically show greater interest in rent-seeking than delivering public services, which results in inefficiencies that tarnish public trust in government.…”

Anti-corruption Institutions and Governmental Change in Pakistan

“…Public administrators have usually been subservient to the political elite during civilian rule, expanding the latter's political base by intimidating political opponents and patronizing allies. Yet most administrators change their loyalties and defy their old masters when the military takes over through a coup (Mustafa 2002, Shafqat 1999, Tanwir and Fennell 2010. The flaws and shortcomings inherent in Pakistan's administrative system seem not to be the result of arbitrary factors but may have certain structural roots (Islam 1989(Islam , 2004.…”

The Meaning of Neutrality of the Civil Apparatus in Regional Head Elections in the Dayak Tribe in Central Kalimantan

“…All bureaucrats would work on the principles of hard work and independent and impersonal thinking, and no benefit would be derived from courting political masters. Hence for the bureaucracy to be productive there is a need to make it independent from political intervention and pressure which will allow civil servants to perform public services in an efficient and professional manner (Tanwir & Fennell, 2010).…”