ISLAMABAD, June 19, 2025: In a major step toward transparency and accountability in governance, the Senate on Thursday passed the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2025, allowing public access to the asset declarations of senior government officials. The legislation marks a significant shift in how information related to public servants’ financial interests is handled.
The bill was presented by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on behalf of Senator Ahmed Khan Cheema, Minister for Establishment. It proposes key amendments to the Civil Servants Act, 1973, following detailed review and endorsement by the Senate Standing Committee. The primary objective is to bring existing civil service laws in line with the Right to Information Act, 2017 and ensure effective implementation of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964—particularly Rules 12, 13, and 13-A.
Under the new law, asset declarations filed by civil servants in Basic Pay Scale (BPS) 17 to 22 will be digitized and made publicly accessible. These declarations will include assets held by officials, both within Pakistan and abroad, along with those owned by their spouses and dependents. However, the bill ensures that sensitive personal details—such as CNIC numbers, residential addresses, and banking information—will be protected and redacted from public view.
To maintain integrity and accuracy, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will be responsible for hosting and securing the digital portal where asset declarations will be submitted. Simultaneously, the Establishment Division will be equipped with tools, personnel, and a risk-based verification framework to cross-check and monitor the authenticity of declarations.
Members of the Senate lauded the passage of the bill, calling it a vital move to boost public confidence in the bureaucracy. The legislation is expected to serve as a deterrent against corrupt practices and increase accountability in the upper tiers of government service.
By mandating transparency and simplifying access to asset declarations, the Senate has reinforced its commitment to institutional reform and ethical public administration in Pakistan.