The federal government has introduced a comprehensive new code of conduct for civil servants, replacing the 62-year-old framework with stricter rules on asset disclosures, conflicts of interest, social media activity and financial accountability.
According to a comparison between the repealed 1964 Rules and the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026, shared by official sources, the new framework retains the core principles of the earlier code, including restrictions on political activity, unauthorised disclosure of official information, nepotism and misuse of official position. However, it also introduces far-reaching accountability measures aimed at meeting the demands of modern-day governance.
One of the most significant changes is the requirement that annual asset declarations of officers in BPS-17 and above be made public after redaction of confidential personal information. Under the 1964 rules, asset declarations were filed internally and remained confidential.
The 2026 rules require senior officers to submit their declarations digitally by October 30 every year. These declarations will be subject to risk-based verification by the Federal Board of Revenue. Officers may also be asked to explain omissions, misstatements or unexplained increases in wealth.
For the first time, civil servants will be required to disclose virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies. They must also declare bank accounts, shares, securities, insurance policies and jewellery worth Rs5 million or more.
The new rules also introduce a comprehensive conflict-of-interest regime. Civil servants are required to disclose personal or family interests that may conflict with their official duties. They must also recuse themselves from procurement, selection and other decision-making processes where such conflicts arise.
Another major area covered by the new code is social media and online activity, which was not addressed in the 1964 framework. Civil servants may not own or manage websites, podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels or similar platforms without prior approval.
They are also prohibited from using personal social media accounts to showcase official work, facilities or entitlements for personal publicity or image-building. Cadre Administrators may require officers to disclose all their social media accounts.
The government has also tightened rules on gifts and hospitality. Civil servants and their family members are barred from accepting gifts from any person, company, foreign government or diplomat, except as permitted under the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Act, 2024. They are also prohibited from offering gifts to superior officers if such gifts could be seen as attempts to obtain favours.
The new code states that civil servants should not live beyond their declared means. Officers may be required to explain expenditures on weddings and other social functions if such spending appears extravagant or inconsistent with their disclosed income.
In another new provision, officers who take private-sector jobs during sanctioned Extraordinary Leave must obtain prior approval. After returning to government service, they must refrain for three years from participating in any official matter involving their former employer.
The rules also allow officers to undertake approved teaching, consultancy and professional work, provided it does not affect official duties or create conflicts of interest. In such cases, one-twenty-fifth of the remuneration earned must be deposited in the national treasury.
Among other new provisions, civil servants must immediately report any criminal case or arrest to their Cadre Administrator. They are prohibited from filing frivolous complaints against colleagues and may not approach foreign missions or donor agencies to seek overseas visits or training opportunities for personal benefit.
The federal government has also empowered itself to extend the new rules to autonomous bodies, regulatory authorities, universities and state-owned enterprises.
Any violation of the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026, will be treated as misconduct under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, exposing violators to disciplinary action.
Officials say the new framework represents the most significant modernisation of Pakistan’s civil service ethics regime in more than six decades. They say it shifts the focus from traditional conduct standards to a stronger system of transparency, financial scrutiny and digital accountability.
