Grade 22

Grade-22, also known as BPS-22, represents the highest attainable rank for civil servants in Pakistan. This grade is equivalent to a 4-star rank in the Pakistan Armed Forces. Among over five lakh civil servants and bureaucrats in the country, only a few dozen officers typically serve in BPS-22 at any given time, making it less than 1% of the total workforce. Officers holding the BPS-22 rank are widely regarded as some of the most influential individuals within the country.

Officers who achieve Grade-22 typically have an extensive civil service career averaging between 30 to 32 years. The elevation to this prestigious rank is determined by the High Powered Selection Board (HPSB), which is chaired by either the Prime Minister or the President of Pakistan. The Board also includes several ex-officio members who provide advisory support regarding promotions, including the Establishment Secretary of Pakistan, the Cabinet Secretary of Pakistan, and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

As of 2023, there have been ongoing discussions regarding reforms in the civil service structure in Pakistan, aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability within the bureaucracy. These discussions include proposals to streamline the promotion process and ensure that meritocracy is upheld, thereby potentially impacting the dynamics of reaching Grade-22 in the future.

The following key positions in the country are occupied by Grade-22 Officials:

Secretary to the Government of Pakistan
Chief Secretary to a Provincial Government
Director General/ Chairman of a large state-owned corporation or agency such as the Federal Board of Revenue, Federal Investigation Agency, Intelligence Bureau, etc.
Inspector General of Police
Special Secretary to the Government of Pakistan

Prominent Grade 22 officers (serving and retired)[edit]

References[edit]

Read also[edit]

Pakistan Administrative Service