Ministries Face Bimonthly Performance Reviews Under PM Shehbaz

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated performance evaluations for all federal ministries every two months, aiming to enforce accountability and accelerate economic progress in Pakistan. Announced on July 16, 2025, during a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the move has sparked debate among analysts and observers, with some questioning whether it marks genuine reform or serves as a superficial measure to deflect attention from deeper governance issues.

According to Radio Pakistan and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Sharif stated that ministries would be assessed based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with strong performers receiving recognition and underperformers expected to improve, or face consequences. “It’s all about delivery and service to the nation,” he emphasized. The initiative is part of Sharif’s broader push for administrative reform, which includes digitizing governance processes and recruiting qualified experts. He argued that Pakistan’s outdated bureaucratic structures, largely unchanged for decades, remain a major barrier to effective service delivery.

During the meeting, Sharif cited the Ministry of Energy’s recent reforms as a model, reportedly saving the government significant sums under Federal Minister Sardar Awais Khan Leghari. While specific figures were not disclosed, the Ministry has been credited with improving operational efficiency and reducing financial losses.

The announcement comes amid positive economic indicators, most notably the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) crossing a record 135,000 points in mid-July 2025. Sharif pointed to this milestone as evidence of growing investor confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

Despite these developments, critics remain skeptical. They argue that an overreliance on evaluations and reports may overlook deeper issues, such as persistent bureaucratic inertia, continued dependency on International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs, and weak spending on critical sectors like defense and disaster management. Many also point to past failures in implementing performance-based accountability systems.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to natural disasters further underscores the need for effective and proactive governance. The 2022 floods caused an estimated $30 billion in damages and displaced millions, while recent monsoon-related fatalities highlight ongoing deficiencies in emergency response and planning, areas where ministries must show real improvement.

Sharif’s emphasis on performance reviews signals an attempt to restore public trust and demonstrate administrative competence. However, whether these bimonthly evaluations lead to measurable improvements or become another bureaucratic formality will be a key test for his government. As Pakistan continues to navigate economic recovery and regional tensions, particularly with India, the pressure to deliver results remains high.