An internal analysis by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) has revealed a stark reality for its officers: more than 70% are projected to retire at the mid-career pay grade of 19 after serving over three decades, highlighting deep structural flaws in the Information Service Group’s career progression.
Structural Bottlenecks Stifle Career Growth
The assessment shows a narrow promotional pyramid preventing upward mobility. None of the 135 officers currently in grade 17 are expected to reach grade 20, while around 74 in grade 18 will likely retire at grade 19. Over 50 grade-19 officers may advance to grade 20 but will retire there without further promotion. A ministry official noted, “Careers are ending earlier than the official service rules suggest.” This mismatch arises from limited higher-grade posts, large batch inductions, and discrimination compared to powerful groups like the Pakistan Administrative Service, which have benefited from expansions such as special secretary positions.
Committee Formed to Address Promotion Crisis
In response, the government formed a 12-member career progression committee last month, headed by Press Information Officer Mobashir Hasan, tasked with submitting recommendations within three months. Discussions include upgrading heads of key departments to grade 22, creating Strategic Communication Cells in 15 ministries with up to five positions each, and need-based cadre expansion to meet growing demands for state narrative-building against social media disinformation. The committee favors expanding the top pyramid over freezing inductions, while adhering to austerity policies. Broader civil service reforms, including those pushed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the IMF, remain stalled, exacerbating morale issues and prompting officers to leave for dominant groups.