ISLAMABAD: The process of key Grade-22 promotions in the federal bureaucracy remains stalled as the meeting of High-Powered Selection Board (HPSB) could not be convened even after 15 months.
Sources said that all administrative arrangements for holding the meeting had been completed, but the formal schedule would be issued only after receiving instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The last meeting of the High-Powered Selection Board was held in March 2025, after which the promotion process for the highest grade in the civil service has remained pending. The Establishment Division has already forwarded panels of officers placed in the promotion zone to the Prime Minister’s Office for approval.
The meeting will be chaired by the prime minister or the deputy prime minister and will consider promotions of senior officers from various occupational groups. These include eight officers of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), six from the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), four from the Secretariat Group, one from the Inland Revenue Service and one from the Information Group.
Sources said that approval for promotion of more than 25 officers from different service groups to Grade-22 is expected during the meeting. Decisions regarding postings and transfers of some promoted officers are also likely to be taken.
Grade-22 promotions are considered highly significant in the federal bureaucracy as they determine appointments to key administrative positions. The prolonged delay in convening the board meeting has reportedly caused uncertainty and frustration among senior civil servants.
Several Grade-21 officers awaiting promotion have also retired during the period, adding to concerns within the senior bureaucracy over delays in the promotion process.
