Abdul Ghani

The government has placed strong emphasis on strengthening institutional capacity and reforming human resource management systems as a central pillar of the Prime Minister’s Economic Governance Reforms (PM-EGR), aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, professionalism and performance of the public sector.

The reform framework recognises that sustainable governance improvements depend heavily on the quality, skills and motivation of public sector personnel. To address long-standing capacity gaps, the government has outlined a comprehensive approach to modernising human resource management practices, improving workforce competencies and building a performance-oriented public service.

According to the document, a key focus of the reforms is the development of a merit-based and transparent human resource system. Measures include improving recruitment processes, strengthening merit-based promotions and ensuring fair performance evaluations. These steps are intended to attract skilled professionals, retain talent and promote a culture of accountability and professionalism across public institutions.

The reforms also emphasise the need for systematic capacity building through targeted training and professional development programmes. The government plans to enhance training institutions and introduce continuous learning initiatives to equip public servants with the skills required for modern governance, including policy analysis, digital competencies, financial management and service delivery.

Another major component of the reform agenda is the introduction of performance management systems that link individual and institutional performance to measurable outcomes. By setting clear performance indicators and conducting regular evaluations, the government aims to improve efficiency, encourage innovation and ensure that public officials are held accountable for results.

The document also highlights the importance of leadership development within the public sector. Strengthening leadership capabilities at senior and mid-management levels is viewed as essential for driving reform implementation, managing change and fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism across government institutions.

In addition, the reforms seek to modernise human resource management systems through the use of digital tools and data-driven approaches. The introduction of integrated HR information systems is expected to improve workforce planning, performance tracking and decision-making, while enhancing transparency in personnel management.

According to the Finance Division, strengthening institutional capacity through comprehensive human resource reforms is critical to achieving sustainable governance outcomes. By investing in people, systems and skills, the government aims to build a capable, responsive and results-oriented public sector capable of delivering high-quality services and supporting long-term national development goals.

Credit: INP-WealthPk