Maryam’s model transforms Punjab bureaucracy

More than two years into Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's tenure, Punjab's bureaucracy is operating under a

More than two years into Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s tenure, Punjab’s bureaucracy is operating under a markedly different administrative model compared to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Usman Buzdar. The current administration has emphasized continuity in key appointments and performance-based accountability, replacing the frequent transfers that characterized the previous government.

During the Buzdar administration, repeated postings and transfers became a defining feature of the provincial bureaucracy. Critics often described it as a “rolling stone bureaucracy,” where officials were frequently moved from one position to another. Allegations also surfaced that lucrative government posts were effectively being sold. The current government, however, has sought to project an image of administrative stability, focusing on monitoring officials’ performance instead of relying on constant reshuffles.

Since Maryam Nawaz assumed office in February 2024, there has been no change in the position of Punjab Chief Secretary. Zahid Akhtar Zaman, who was appointed in January 2023 before her government took office, continues to serve as the province’s top civil servant.

Similarly, Dr. Usman Anwar remained Inspector General of Punjab Police for nearly two years under Maryam Nawaz’s administration before being transferred to the federal government in February 2026 as Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Rao Abdul Karim, formerly Additional IG of Punjab’s Special Branch, was appointed as the new Punjab police chief.

Sajid Zafar Dal, appointed Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister in March 2024, has also remained in his position throughout the current administration.

In contrast, between August 2018 and April 2022, the Buzdar government witnessed the appointment of six Chief Secretaries, six Inspectors General of Police, and five Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister. Administrative experts, opposition parties, and both serving and retired civil servants frequently criticized the constant reshuffling, arguing that it disrupted policymaking, delayed development projects, and weakened institutional accountability.

The difference is also evident in field administration. According to government sources, the Punjab government has introduced Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, commissioners, district and divisional police officers, and other field officials. Their continuation in office now depends largely on measurable performance rather than political influence.

Officials are regularly assessed on targets including price control, anti-encroachment operations, sanitation, education, healthcare, revenue collection, and implementation of the chief minister’s flagship initiatives.

Senior government officials maintain that appointments and transfers are now made primarily on the basis of performance and administrative requirements. They also claim that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has adopted a policy of rejecting recommendations from political figures or influential groups regarding postings and transfers, arguing that shielding the bureaucracy from external pressure has improved administrative discipline.

The government believes stable postings allow officers to take ownership of projects and remain accountable for delivering results instead of spending much of their tenure adjusting to new assignments.

By comparison, frequent transfers were a hallmark of the PTI government. Media reports at the time documented repeated changes of commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, district police officers, and senior secretariat officials, with many officers being transferred before completing even six months in office.

One of the most cited examples was Kalurkot tehsil in Bhakkar district, where 14 assistant commissioners were reportedly appointed within about two and a half years.

In Rawalpindi Division alone, the PTI government changed four commissioners, six deputy commissioners, six regional police officers, and five city police officers during its nearly three-year tenure.

Administrative experts have long argued that such rapid transfers weaken governance by disrupting institutional memory, interrupting project implementation, and making it difficult to hold officials accountable for results. Various studies on Pakistan’s civil service have also concluded that short tenures reduce administrative effectiveness and encourage short-term decision-making.

Although the current government has also transferred some officials due to performance issues or administrative requirements, the broader trend has been one of continuity rather than large-scale reshuffling.

Many observers believe the comparison reflects two distinct approaches to governance. The Buzdar administration became associated with constant bureaucratic movement, while the Maryam Nawaz government has sought to combine stable tenures with performance-based accountability through KPIs and regular monitoring.