The Government of Pakistan has issued the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026, which come into force immediately. These rules provide a comprehensive framework for ethical behavior, financial transparency, and professional boundaries for all civil servants.
Title, Commencement, and Application
These rules are officially titled the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026. They apply to every civil servant, whether they are on duty, on leave, within Pakistan, or serving abroad. The Federal Government may also extend these rules to autonomous bodies, state-owned enterprises, and universities.
Understanding Gifts and Foreign Awards
A civil servant and their family members are prohibited from accepting gifts from any person, company, or foreign government representative. Gifts received as part of an official delegation must be handled strictly under the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Act, 2024. Furthermore, no official can accept foreign titles or honors without prior approval from the Federal Government.
Learn more: Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006
Public Functions and Personal Honour
Officials must not encourage or participate in meetings or events held predominantly for their own public projection or praise. An exception is made for Heads of Pakistan Missions abroad, who may attend such gatherings in an official capacity.
Employment and Outside Engagements
Civil servants are barred from working for foreign governments or taking private employment while in service. However, with written permission from a Cadre Administrator, they may participate in charitable fund-raising or undertake private professional work like teaching or consultancy. If paid for private work, one-twentieth of the remuneration must be deposited into the government Treasury.
Financial Integrity: Lending, Borrowing, and Assets
Officials are forbidden from lending to or borrowing money from anyone they deal with officially. Every civil servant must declare all assets, including jewelry worth five million rupees or more and virtual assets, upon entering service. Annual declarations of income and assets are mandatory, and for those in BPS-17 and above, these must be filed digitally by October 30th each year.
Managing Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when a personal interest could interfere with official obligations. Civil servants must recuse themselves from any decision-making process where such a conflict exists. They are also prohibited from using their position to influence subordinates for personal gain.
Read more: Notification of Upgradation of Federal Government Employees 2023
Living Within Means and Criminal Involvement
Civil servants must not live beyond their declared means or host ostentatious social gatherings. If a social event is perceived as extravagant, the official must report the expenses and the source of funds to their Cadre Administrator. Additionally, any involvement or conviction in a criminal case must be reported immediately.
Communication and Media Management
Unauthorized disclosure of official documents or information is strictly prohibited. Regarding digital media, officials cannot manage websites, vlogs, or podcasts without prior sanction. Official social media accounts must be used only for verified information and cannot be used for personal branding. Personal memoirs involving confidential information cannot be published.
Politics, Elections, and Demonstrations
Civil servants are strictly prohibited from participating in any political activity or assisting subversive movements. They cannot canvass for elections or publicly announce themselves as candidates for political bodies. Furthermore, they are barred from joining public demonstrations directed against government policies.
Neutrality and Social Conduct
The rules forbid the propagation of sectarian creeds or ethnic biases that might affect an official’s impartiality. Officials must not indulge in nepotism, provincialism, or favoritism based on race, religion, or gender. At all times, civil servants must maintain a standard of behavior and attitude that upholds the public image of the service.
Enforcement and Repeal
Any violation of these rules is deemed “misconduct” and is punishable under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. These 2026 rules officially repeal and replace the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules of 1964.
