Main issues for setting the civil service reform agenda in Pakistan

Civil service has been at the top of the reform agenda for many years, surprisingly with very little progress. In the past, as well as recently, some actions have been taken which can be passed off as civil service reform. But the expected performance of the civil service, most appropriately gauged by the development indicators or people's satisfaction, has not been in evidence. This paper brings out a set of issues which require attention before a reform agenda ist set: namely, how to go about the touted reform, identify issues which can derail it or diminish its impact when undertaken. Without identifying such issues, or in some cases clarifying such issues, the reform agenda is likely to falter. (Pak Development Rev/GIGA)