ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a comprehensive performance review of all federal ministries and divisions, launching an internal accountability process that could lead to a reshuffle of the federal cabinet, according to official sources.

The move comes as the government seeks to evaluate the performance of its ministries and strengthen governance, following renewed public debate over the effectiveness of the federal administration.

Ministries Directed to Submit Performance Reports

According to official directives, the Prime Minister’s Office has instructed all federal ministries and divisions to submit detailed performance reports covering the period from February 2024 to the present.

The reports must outline each ministry’s achievements, policy implementation, governance reforms, and measures taken to improve public service delivery. Ministries have also been directed to present measurable outcomes and demonstrate how their initiatives have contributed to national development.

Officials said the review is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of government performance and identify areas requiring improvement.

Wide-Ranging Evaluation

The accountability exercise will cover 41 federal ministries, including:

• 18 ministries responsible for economic and financial affairs.
• 14 ministries overseeing law, internal security, and administrative matters.
• 9 ministries dealing with social services, education, and health.

Each ministry has been instructed to provide a detailed account of completed projects, including their objectives, results, and completion timelines.

The reports must also identify projects that remain incomplete, explain the reasons for delays, highlight implementation challenges, and describe corrective measures taken to address those issues.

Focus on Governance and Efficiency

The Prime Minister’s Office has asked ministries to include information on administrative reforms, institutional improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and measures introduced to enhance operational efficiency.

Officials emphasized that every performance claim must be backed by documentary evidence or other verifiable records. Ministries have been warned that unsupported statements or incomplete reports will not be considered during the evaluation process.

The review will also examine the utilization of development funds and assess whether public sector projects have achieved their intended objectives.

CPEC and Development Programmes Under Review

The performance assessment will extend beyond ministries to include the work of key national institutions, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority and the Planning Commission.

Authorities will evaluate progress made under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), review the implementation of economic policies, assess improvements in the national census and statistical system, and examine the outcomes of public-private partnership initiatives.

Special programmes being implemented under the Prime Minister’s Office will also be reviewed as part of the accountability exercise.

Cabinet Changes May Follow

Government sources said the findings of the performance review are expected to play a key role in future decisions regarding the federal cabinet.

Ministers and senior officials whose ministries have delivered strong results are expected to retain their portfolios, while underperforming departments could face leadership changes as part of efforts to improve governance and administrative performance.

Officials said the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening accountability, improving institutional efficiency, and ensuring better delivery of public services.

The review is expected to conclude after all ministries submit their reports, following which the Prime Minister will examine the findings before making any decisions regarding administrative reforms or cabinet restructuring.