Crippling crises have often served as turning points for nations. Existential threats force otherwise bickering leaders to put their heads together. Innovative solutions borne out of dire circumstances kick start countries towards the path of sustained growth.
Political leaders, senior bureaucrats, industry professionals have all gathered together to brainstorm possible solutions to check the menace that is the energy crisis. One hopes that difficult yet vital decisions will result.
Decisions taken will be implemented by the bureaucracy. The cadre of civil service has been the steel structure that many believe has kept the country going despite facing many challenges in the first few decades of its existence.
Central Superior Services of Pakistan (CSSP) is an inheritance from the British. Under British rule, the formula of governance was to train officers in matters of government control and policy implementation. Complex subjects such as foreign relations, police services etc. had dedicated functional groups. The intention was to mould officials well versed in their areas of expertise.
The role of governments in any country is dynamic. As times change, so do responsibilities that citizens look to the government to cater for. The civil service has seen infrequent reforms, such as in 1973 and again in 2007. However, no major changes have ensued as result of either.
As a long-term measure to avert any further crises in energy, whats needed is a functional civil service group dedicated to energy.
Too often, bureaucrats with little knowledge of energy related issues are posted to decision making roles, when in fact little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Its no surprise that these bureaucrats are reduced to mere paper pushers.
With immediate effect, leading roles in the ministry should be entrusted to industry professionals. Such individuals have been in the field long enough to hold relevant technical expertise to manage contract negotiations, viability of proposed projects and swift implementation of the same.
As a long term initiative, CSSP officers with technical educational background should be recruited in the energy corps; with the intention of developing career energy bureaucrats.
These officers should then be deputed to relevant private sector companies to gain industry experience, paving a way for them to become effective regulators.
Dividends from placing competent individuals, in positions that matter and affect the functioning of the daily life of a countrys citizens and the productive capacity of its economy, will be reaped in the years to come.
The same logic should also be applied to legislators given charge of the relevant ministries. Politicians have realized the importance of entrusting the economy to an economist; hopefully this wisdom will transpire to other important portfolios as well.
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