Establishment Secretary of Pakistan

The Establishment Secretary of Pakistan serves as the Federal Secretary for the Establishment Division, overseeing the transfers, postings, and promotions within the civil service of the country. Typically a BPS-22 officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service, the Establishment Secretary reports directly to the Prime Minister. Currently, this position is held by Inamullah Dharejo.

This role is critical in advising the Prime Minister on the most suitable officials for various roles across Ministries, Divisions, and Departments. According to the Civil Service Manual, the Establishment Secretary has the power to appoint or transfer officers up to Grade-20 independently. For officers in Grades-21 and 22, a summary is submitted to the Prime Minister, who, as the competent authority, returns it to the Establishment Division for the issuance of notifications by the Establishment Secretary.

Additionally, the Establishment Secretary plays a significant role in the promotion of civil servants from Grade-17 to Grade-22. The only other official with similar discretionary authority is the Cabinet Secretary, who chairs the Civil Service. This influence over promotions and postings makes the office one of the most powerful in the country.