The federal government has launched a thorough accountability process to evaluate the performance of ministries and divisions following remarks by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi that sparked debate over the government’s overall effectiveness. In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated a comprehensive review of all federal ministries and divisions, setting the stage for a potential reshuffle within the federal cabinet as part of this internal accountability drive.
The Prime Minister’s Office has officially instructed every federal ministry and division to submit detailed performance reports using a prescribed format. These reports must cover achievements and key initiatives from February 2024 to the present, focusing on progress related to their core mandates. Ministries are required to detail their advancements in policy objectives, governance reforms, and efforts to enhance public service delivery.
The review will encompass 18 ministries handling economic and financial affairs, 14 ministries responsible for law, security, and administrative matters, and nine ministries overseeing social services, health, and education. Each ministry must present quantifiable outcomes of governance initiatives, including completed projects, results achieved, and their respective completion dates.
Additionally, ministries are expected to provide comprehensive information on all ongoing projects, outlining reasons for any delays, challenges faced during implementation, and corrective actions taken. Reporting on administrative reforms, cost-saving measures, and initiatives aimed at boosting institutional efficiency is also mandatory.
Notably, the Prime Minister’s Office has emphasized that all performance claims must be substantiated with documentary evidence or other verifiable proof. Reports lacking sufficient support or incomplete submissions will be rejected.
The evaluation will also scrutinize the utilization of development funds and assess the outcomes of public sector projects. Furthermore, the review will include the performance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority and the Planning Commission, the implementation status of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), the impact of economic policies, enhancements in the national census and statistical system, as well as the results of public-private partnership initiatives and special programs under the PM Office.
Government officials indicate that the findings from this extensive performance review will serve as the foundation for decisions regarding changes in the federal cabinet and steps to enhance governance and administrative efficiency.