Pakistan makes asset declarations mandatory for civil servants in IMF-linked reform

The government of Pakistan has enacted the Civil Servants (Amendment) Act 2025, a move aimed at strengthening oversight and openness within the civil service -- while also fulfilling a key condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), sources said.

According to a gazette notification issued with the approval of the President, all government officers in Grade 17 and above are now legally required to digitally file comprehensive details of their own and their family members’ assets, including both domestic and foreign holdings, along with their overall financial status.

The Establishment Division has circulated the notification to all federal ministries and divisions. A new clause, Section 15-A, has been inserted into the Civil Servants Act of 1973, providing the legal basis for this reform.

The notification further states that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will be responsible for publicly disclosing these asset declarations, making them accessible to the public. However, it emphasizes that individual privacy will be protected, and any sensitive personal data will be handled with strict confidentiality.

This move is seen as a major reform aimed at improving governance standards and restoring public trust in state institutions. It also aligns with the IMF’s broader agenda of fiscal transparency and anti-corruption measures, which are central to Pakistan’s ongoing economic stabilization program.

While analysts believe the reform may face resistance within the bureaucracy, it is being interpreted as a clear signal of the government’s commitment to institutional reform and international accountability.

According to the Gazette of Pakistan, under the subheading "Declaration of Assets", the document states:

“Notwithstanding anything contained in clause of Section 7 of the Right of Access to Information Act 2017, the declaration of assets of civil servants of BS-17 and above, his spouse and dependent children, including domestic and foreign assets and liabilities, as may be prescribed, shall be digitally filed with the Federal Board of Revenue, and the same shall be publicly available through FBR, in accordance with the rules as may be prescribed.”

It adds:

“Provided that the extent of disclosure, under this section, shall give due regard to the balance between public interest for good government and the individual's privacy and security.”