Minister urges bureaucracy to embrace public service, abandon colonial mindset

Sindh Minister for Education and Mineral Development, Syed Sardar Ali Shah called on the bureaucracy to shift away from the colonial-era mindset and fully embrace public service.

He made this call during his address at a ceremony held at the National Institute of Management (NIM) in Karachi. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 41st Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) on Friday, Shah emphasized that the concept of bureaucracy should be centered solely on serving the public, contrasting it with the legacy of British rule, which aimed to maintain dominance over the people of the region.

Highlighting the need for public officials to adopt a genuine commitment to public service, he urged them to consider whether they are here “merely for a job or to serve the people.” He stressed that real fulfillment lies in simplifying the lives of others and that public service should also prioritize environmental protection alongside public welfare.

Shah pointed out that politicians and bureaucrats share the responsibility of incorporating environmental considerations into development projects, as this is essential for future generations’ survival.

Shah raised concerns about Pakistan’s educational challenges, citing that 25 million children remain out of school and that an additional 4,000 classrooms are needed each year to meet the demands of a growing population. He noted that effective implementation of government policies is only possible with bureaucratic support.

Director General NIM Karachi Dr Saifur Rehman spoke on the importance of the course, advising the attending officials never to hesitate in carrying out positive initiatives, encouraging them to serve humanity without discrimination.

At the end of the ceremony, 34 officers were awarded certificates for completing the MCMC training, including 32 men and 2 women. Among them were officers from the Inland Revenue Service, Office Management Group, PCS Group, and representatives from ASF, the Supreme Court, Aviation Division, and Election Commission.

As part of the programme, the officers also toured various ministries and departments in other provinces to broaden their experience.