Civil and Military Bureaucracy in

Pakistan
Presented by

Mubarra Saleem
Introduction

• Bureaucracy plays a crucial role in a country's government,

implementing policies and decisions, and governing the country.
Pakistani bureaucrats, who inherited the legacy of British India's
"royal servants," are considered rulers rather than servants of the
public.
• The political landscape of Pakistan is significantly shaped by the
interplay between civil and military bureaucracies.
• The civil bureaucracy refers to the administrative framework
responsible for implementing government policies, while the
military bureaucracy pertains to the hierarchical structure of the
armed forces.
Historical Context

• Pakistan's history has been marked by military rule and

interference in civilian affairs, starting with the first coup in
1958 led by General Ayub Khan.
• The military's involvement in politics has been a pattern since
the regimes of Generals Zia-ul-Haq (1977) and Pervez
Musharraf (1999).
• This mistrust and interference in civilian institutions has
damaged public faith and led some to believe the military has
more power than the elected government, hindering the
country's progress towards a stable and democratic political
system.
 Civil Bureaucracy in Pakistan

• Bureaucrats, recruited on merit and provided with professional

training, are responsible for managing day-to-day state affairs.
They are neutral, honest, dedicated, and faithful in their duties,
and their positions remain unchanged despite government
changes.
• The Pakistan Administrative Service is the most prominent
service in the civil bureaucracy, playing a crucial role in policy
implementation, public administration, and service delivery.
However, challenges such as corruption, inefficiency, and
political interference have undermined the effectiveness and
public trust of the civil bureaucracy in Pakistan.
Military Bureaucracy in Pakistan

• Pakistan's military bureaucracy is a disciplined structure,

with the Pakistan Army as the dominant force.
• The military's influence extends beyond defense to political
and economic spheres, often overshadowing civilian
institutions. The military views itself as the "guardian of the
nation" and is responsible for defending the nation from
internal and external threats. This entitlement has led to its
involvement in politics.
• However, the lack of civilian oversight complicates matters,
as the army chief has significant sway over the president and
administration.
 Civil-Military Relations

• Pakistan's military has historically been involved in political

interference, often withdrawing from politics when it suited its
interests. However, the military's involvement in domestic
politics is evident in the recent ouster of Prime Minister Khan.
• The military's support for Khan's regime was rescinded amid
disagreements over the appointment of Pakistan's intelligence
chief and foreign policy. This marked the continuation of a
trend where handpicked prime ministers who pursue policies
independent of the military's institutional thinking have been
removed from power.
• The military's involvement in domestic politics is a significant
issue in Pakistan, as seen in the recent ouster of Khan.
Impact on Governance and Development

• The dominance of the military in Pakistan's political

sphere has had mixed impacts on governance and
development.
• While military regimes have sometimes implemented
effective policies, the lack of democratic
accountability has led to governance issues.
• Economic policies under military rule have varied,
with some successes in infrastructure development
but also significant challenges in achieving
sustainable growth.
 Reforms and Recommendations

• Reforming the civil and military bureaucracy is

essential for Pakistan's progress. Strengthening
civilian institutions, ensuring accountability, and
reducing corruption are critical steps.
• Enhancing civil-military relations through dialogue
and clear delineation of roles can lead to a more
balanced governance structure.
• International support and internal reforms are
necessary to achieve these goals.
Conclusion

• The interaction between civil and military

bureaucracy in Pakistan significantly impacts the
country's political and administrative landscape.
• To ensure effective governance and sustainable
development, Pakistan must address challenges
within these institutions through reforms
promoting transparency, accountability, and a
balanced power dynamic, ensuring a more
transparent and accountable system.