Govt Enforces IMF Condition: Grade-17+ Officers Must Declare Assets, Except Army & Judges
The Government of Pakistan has implemented another major requirement under the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Extended Fund Facility. Under the new condition, all government and semi-government officers above Grade-17 must now officially declare their assets every year.
This move aims to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and build trust in public institutions by bringing thousands of officers under a strict financial declaration system.
In this detailed article, we explain what the new policy is, who must comply, who is exempt, why the IMF demanded this reform, and how it affects government employees and departments across Pakistan.
Background: Pakistan Implements IMF Economist Program Condition
Pakistan is currently under a strict economic reform roadmap introduced by the IMF to stabilize the economy, reduce corruption, and improve governance.
One of the key demands of the IMF was the mandatory declaration of assets by all public sector officials, especially those holding powerful and high-grade seats.
Until now, only civil servants were legally bound to submit asset declarations.
But now, the requirement has expanded to include all public servants, including officials from autonomous bodies, authorities, corporations, and state-owned enterprises.
The IMF considers transparency reforms essential to improving financial discipline, reducing tax evasion, and curbing misuse of power.
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What the New Policy Says
According to official documents and FBR sources, the government has taken the following major steps:
1. Grade-17 and Above Officers Must Declare Annual Assets
All officers working in:
- Federal ministries
- Provincial departments
- Semi-government institutions
- Autonomous bodies
- Public sector enterprises
must submit a complete list of assets annually to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
This includes:
- Houses, bungalows, plots
- Agricultural land
- Domestic & international property
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Cash reserves
- Investments
- Movable & immovable assets of spouse and dependent children
2. All Public Sector Officers Included — Not Only Civil Servants
Previously, only regular civil servants were bound by law to submit their asset declarations.
Now, the list expands to include officers of:
- WAPDA
- PIA
- Sui Gas companies
- OGDC
- Steel Mills
- PEMRA
- FBR
- NEPRA
- OGRA
- Railways
- WASAs
- Development authorities
- Educational boards
- Government hospitals
- State-owned corporations
This brings millions of public employees into the asset declaration framework.
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3. Exemptions Under NAB Laws to Continue
According to FBR and NAB sources, only those individuals who are already exempt under existing NAB laws will remain exempt.
These include:
- Judges
- Military officers (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Certain intelligence agencies
The exemption has caused public debate, as many believe all institutions should follow a uniform system.
However, the government states that existing NAB regulations legally protect these categories, so no change is currently possible.
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Why IMF Demanded This Condition
The IMF believes Pakistan needs to:
- Improve tax transparency
- Strengthen governance
- Reduce corruption
- Prevent illegal asset accumulation
- Bring all public sector departments under financial accountability
IMF reports often label Pakistan’s public sector as “non-transparent,” so this reform aims to build confidence among global lenders.
Through asset declarations, the IMF wants to ensure:
✔ No unexplained wealth
✔ No misuse of public funds
✔ No anonymous property deals
✔ No illegal bank accounts or foreign assets
The reform is part of the broader IMF Economist Program, designed to modernize Pakistan’s financial reporting structure.
How Asset Declaration Will Work
Each officer will be required to:
- Fill an annual asset declaration form
- Provide details of all movable and immovable assets
- Submit documents to the FBR database
- Update any new assets acquired during the year
- Declare spouse and dependent children’s assets
The FBR will maintain a secure digital record of all declarations.
Which Officers Will Be Most Affected?
The new policy affects a wide range of officials:
Federal Level
- Secretariat officers
- Attached departments
- Regulatory authorities
- Public enterprises
Provincial Level
- Provincial secretaries
- Directors, deputy directors
- Grade-17 to Grade-21 officers
- District management officers
- Engineers, doctors, education officers
Corporations & Authorities
- WAPDA engineers
- PIA managers
- Sui Gas officers
- OGDC management
- LDA, PDA, RDA, CDA officers
- Municipal authorities
The move targets anyone holding a Grade-17 or higher designation, regardless of their department.
Why Judges and Military Officers Are Exempt?
Under NAB Ordinance 1999, certain categories are legally exempt from asset declaration requirements.
These include:
- Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts
- Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force officers
- Certain high-level security agency personnel
However, these individuals already follow internal asset reporting systems, which are confidential and not shared with the FBR.
Expected Impact of the New Policy
The policy is expected to bring both positive change and administrative challenges.
Positive Outcomes
1. Transparency in Government Departments
More accountability for senior officers will increase public trust.
2. Reduced Corruption
Hidden or unexplained assets will become harder to maintain.
3. Strengthened IMF Relations
Complying with IMF conditions may help unlock future loan installments.
4. Improved Tax Compliance
Officers will be required to justify their assets through proper tax documentation.
Challenges Ahead
1. Data Security Concerns
Millions of sensitive financial details stored in one place may raise privacy issues.
2. Resistance From Powerful Groups
Many departments may push back due to fear of transparency.
3. Technical Capacity Issues
FBR must upgrade its systems to handle massive new data volumes.
Public Reaction
The public has mixed reactions:
- Many welcome the new law, calling it essential for transparency.
- Others question why judges and military officers are exempt.
- Some fear the policy may be used for political victimization in the future.
Despite mixed views, the reform is seen as a major step toward modern financial governance.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who is required to declare assets under the new policy?
All government, semi-government, and autonomous body officers above Grade-17 must declare assets.
2. Are military officers required to declare their assets?
No. Army, Navy, and Air Force officers are exempt under existing NAB laws.
3. Do judges have to submit asset declarations to FBR?
No. Judges are exempt and follow internal systems not publicly.
4. Which assets must be declared?
Houses, land, vehicles, cash, bank accounts, investments, foreign assets, spouse and children’s assets.
5. Is this reform connected to IMF conditions?
Yes. It is a major requirement under the IMF Economist Program to improve governance and transparency.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s decision to require Grade-17 and above officers to declare their assets marks a significant step toward financial transparency and accountability.
With millions of government officers now required to submit their asset records annually, the reform is expected to reduce corruption, enhance trust, and meet IMF governance standards.
Although judges and military officers remain exempt, the policy still covers the vast majority of public sector officials across the country.
If implemented effectively, this could become one of the most impactful governance reforms in Pakistan’s recent history.
