Bureaucratic Tensions Rise Over Quota Postings in Largest Province

A dispute over quota-based postings continues in Pakistan’s largest province between officers from the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and Provincial Management Service (PMS). PMS officers have serious concerns and demand postings strictly according to rules.

The provincial selection board has not convened for over a year, leaving dozens of PMS officers awaiting promotion. Allegedly, PMS officers from grade 17 to 21 are often not posted according to their allotted quota, while junior PAS officers are assigned to senior positions at the same pay and grade.

In more than 70 percent of districts, grade 18 PAS officers have been appointed as Deputy Commissioners, causing frustration among PMS officers. At the same time, 80 percent of commissioners and secretaries are PAS officers, creating a silent but intensifying “cold war” within Punjab’s civil bureaucracy.

PMS officers protest the preferential appointment of PAS officers to key administrative positions, such as Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, calling it a violation of merit. The PMS Association has repeatedly demanded that service rules be balanced to protect provincial officers’ rights. PAS officers argue their training and service structure equip them for broader national and international matters, making senior roles essential.

Punjab has nearly 5,000 officers across five services from grade 17 to 22, including over 450 PAS and 1,200 PMS officers. PMS officers have a quota from grades 17 to 21, while grade 22 is reserved for PAS. Of PMS positions, 75 percent are filled, with the rest vacant or held by PAS. Grade-wise distribution shows: grade 21 – 66 percent PAS, 35 percent PMS; grade 20 – 60 percent PAS, 40 percent PMS; grade 19 – 50/50 each; grade 18 – 60 percent PMS, 40 percent PAS; grade 17 – 75 percent PMS, 25 percent PAS.

Former PMS Association President Rai Manzoor Hussain Nasir felt that PMS officers had long faced exploitation regarding transfers, postings, and promotions. “Efforts to secure officers’ rights have been overtaken by personal preferences, with favored officers receiving prime field postings while PMS officers are denied timely promotions or merit-based postings. The government must adhere to approved quotas and convene provincial selection boards for timely promotions,” said Nasir.

PMS President Qamar Zaman Qaisrani claimed that although there were 706 grade 17 officers, only 11 reached grade 21, which was highly unfair. “Key policymaking bodies are controlled by a few individuals, obstructing PMS promotions. Despite 70-80 vacancies, promotion boards have not been held for the past one and a half years, with the last grade 18-19 promotion board in September 2024. Chief Secretary Punjab has not taken action despite repeated requests,” noted Qaisrani.

Tariq Mehmood, a citizen, said such internal conflicts harm governance and delay public issue resolution. Nasser Ali, another local resident, added that the common man suffers when officers fight; they only want better services and prompt justice.

A government spokesperson claimed various proposals were under consideration to resolve the issue, including reforms in service rules, clear division of authority, and efforts to create harmony between both groups. “Provincial selection board meetings will soon be convened. Officer postings are merit-based, with boards deciding field assignments,” said the official.