PM Imran assures to protect civil servants from political pressure

Khan held an assurance to civil servants that they will be protected from political interference.

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - While addressing the civil servants in Islamabad today (Friday), Prime Minister Imran Khan said a system that works on merit is unmatched and we will make sure we protect our bureaucracy from political pressure.

The practice of transfers on political grounds is massively disruptive, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that political interference over the years degenerated the country’s bureaucracy which was considered as a pride of the country in the era of 60s.

"Darwin says it is not the fittest who survive, but the ones who adapt. Our ruling elites mindset has not changed since the time that Pakistan came into being," the PM stated. 

He said we have seen all kinds of challenges and countries come out of them. Germany and Japan were destroyed by war, but they rose back up in 10 years because the nation and governments were on same page.

"When people take ownership of your country, they become the protectors of everything to do the country; an army of 200 million. We need to step outside of a colonial mindset."

We need to believe that it is our responsibility to serve the people of Pakistan, he added.

"We are auctioning dozens of cars, helicopters. I don’t live in the PM house. The symbolism of all this is important to change our mindset. When we need to spend every rupee on the children and people of our country," the premier remarked. 

PM Khan said accountability is our cornerstone. 

"I spoke to chairman NAB; and I have told them whatever investigations happen, against our bureaucracy even, do not humiliate anyone in the process, do it subtly," he said. 

The Prime Minister highlighted that none of the reform programs will be implementable without a robust bureaucracy. The PTI government will be taking huge risks, and mistakes may happen. But everyone makes mistakes; and we will stand with you and ensure that no wrong pressure is levied on you.

"Whatever your political affiliation may be; if you like Imran Khan or PTI or not? I am not concerned. I am only concerned by your performance. If you work for the country, we will stand by you and support you," the PM assured civil servants.