The Cabinet Secretariat (Urdu: کابینہ سیکریٹیریٹ) is an administrative body within the government of Pakistan that functions to support the prime minister, the Cabinet, and the federal ministries.[1] It serves as the principal agency responsible for coordinating the implementation of government policies and ensuring smooth communication between various federal departments and ministries. It also monitors the execution of decisions made by the Cabinet, aiming to improve government efficiency and transparency.[2][3]
History
The Cabinet Secretariat of Pakistan was established soon after the country gained independence in 1947. Initially, it played a role in supporting the newly-formed federal government by assisting with policy-making and ensuring the proper execution of decisions. Over time, its role expanded, and the Cabinet Secretariat became central to the coordination of government operations. It plays a crucial role in maintaining administrative efficiency, and ensuring that government decisions are effectively implemented.[2]
Functions and responsibilities
The Cabinet Secretariat undertakes several essential functions such as assisting the prime minister and the Cabinet by preparing schedules for meetings, recording decisions, and ensuring that these decisions are communicated to relevant ministries and agencies for execution.
The Secretariat also acts as a central coordinating body among ministries, addressing inter-ministerial conflicts and ensuring alignment of government policies. It monitors the implementation of Cabinet decisions to ensure they are executed in a timely and efficient manner.
In addition, the Secretariat manages public grievances related to government functions, directing complaints to the appropriate departments and overseeing corrective measures. It coordinates with provincial governments to ensure consistent application of federal policies across Pakistan’s provinces.
The Cabinet Secretariat also plays a central role in civil service management through its Establishment Division, which handles appointments, promotions, and general administration within the federal civil service.[2]
Organizational Structure
The head of the Cabinet Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary, a senior civil servant appointed by the prime minister. The Cabinet Secretary acts as the principal liaison between the government and the bureaucracy, ensuring the smooth execution of Cabinet decisions.
The Cabinet Secretariat is organized into multiple divisions, each responsible for specific functions. The primary divisions include:
Cabinet Division: Responsible for managing Cabinet meetings, recording minutes, and circulating decisions to the relevant ministries.
Establishment Division: Oversees recruitment, training, promotions, and overall management of the civil service.
National Security Division: Supports the National Security Committee and handles matters related to national security.
Aviation Division: The Aviation Division leads the development and implementation of strategies, policies, and oversight for all aspects of civil aviation. Its primary focus is on civil aviation matters, leveraging its expertise in both organizational structure and human resources.[4]
Poverty Alleviation Division: Formulates and implements policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty, improving social safety nets, and providing assistance to vulnerable segments of society.
Role in Governance
The Cabinet Secretariat is fundamental to the governance framework of Pakistan. It ensures that the policies of the government, as decided by the prime minister and the Cabinet, are implemented effectively. By facilitating inter-ministerial coordination, providing feedback, and monitoring the implementation of policies, the Cabinet Secretariat ensures that the federal government functions smoothly. Additionally, the Secretariat provides administrative support to various high-level government committees, including the Economic Coordination Committee and the National Security Committee.[2]
Challenges and Reforms
The Cabinet Secretariat, like many other government institutions, faces challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiency, inter-ministerial conflicts, and delays in policy implementation. Over the years, various reforms have been proposed and introduced to improve transparency, reduce delays, and enhance the capacity of the civil service.
The Secretariat also focused on digitizing government records, improving coordination through automation, and restructuring the civil service to enhance accountability.[2]
Cabinet Committees
There are several Cabinet Committees that oversee policy implementations on various initiatives of Government of Pakistan. Some of them are listed below:
