EVOLUTION OF CIVIL SERVICE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The civil service of Pakistan has roots in the B.C. period when well comprehensive centralized administrative structure of the state was established under the Maurya Empire. The administrative structure including the civil service grew under the different dynasties of Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. However, with the advent of the English in the subcontinent, various legislations were passed for introducing and strengthening civil service on modern patters. The Government of India Act 1935 was adopted as Interim Constitution of newly created country Pakistan. The Act contained provisions reading the civil service and provided constitutional safeguards to the members of the civil service. The first constitution of Pakistan enforced in 1956 continued constitutional safeguards, however, it proved short lived when the Martial Law was imposed in the country in October, 1958. The next constitution 1962 continued almost same safeguards. However, such constitutional safeguards, as provided in two earlier constitutions, were taken away when constitution 1973 was effected from 14^th August, 1973. It does not mean that the constitution is without provisions regarding the civil service. The Majlis-e-Shoora and the provincial legislatures were empowered to make legislation on the matters relating to civil service within their respective jurisdiction which established the civil service on sound footings