The federal government has formally issued the Civil Servants Conduct Rules 2026, introducing stricter guidelines on asset disclosures, conflicts of interest, social media activity, and political involvement for public officials.
Released by the Establishment Division under the Civil Servants Act 1973, the new rules have been approved by the Prime Minister and are now in force for all civil servants in Pakistan, including those serving overseas.
Under the updated framework, all government employees are required to declare their assets, while officers in Grade 17 and above must submit annual asset statements through a digital system. These declarations will be audited by the Federal Board of Revenue, with certain details potentially made public to promote transparency.
The rules also enforce strict measures to prevent conflicts between personal financial interests and official responsibilities. Officials must withdraw from any decisions where a conflict arises. Additionally, employees and their families are barred from accepting gifts or benefits that could influence their duties, and prior approval is required before accepting any foreign awards or titles.
Clear restrictions have also been placed on social media use. Civil servants cannot run blogs, vlogs, or media platforms without permission, nor can they share official information on personal accounts. They must maintain separate personal and official profiles, and authorities may request account details if needed. Using official matters for personal promotion is strictly prohibited.
Political involvement has been explicitly banned, with employees prohibited from supporting political parties or criticizing government policies publicly. They are also restricted from taking on additional employment in private companies, NGOs, banks, or foreign organizations during service, unless specifically authorized.
The rules further stress professionalism, discipline, punctuality, and accountability, both in official duties and online conduct. Civil servants are also restricted from publishing writings or memoirs that reveal confidential information.
With the introduction of the 2026 rules, the government has replaced the earlier 1964 regulations, while maintaining the validity of past actions taken under them. Experts believe these reforms are aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the governance system.
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