Public administration might look like a dream job for many of us, but it has its downsides as pointed out by Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Hamza Shafqaat, from his experiences.
Talking about the public administration landscape in Pakistan, he said:
Public Administration is increasingly becoming complicated. The western world is offering post doctorate in this field. Every policy has its pitfalls which makes it even more difficult to implement. But it remains paradoxical and funny in Pakistan.
A few days earlier, the civil servant took to Twitter to share his grievances with the general public considering how they are never happy.
Terming these as paradoxical demands from the public and the reaction after he had got the work done. Starting off the anti-encroachment drive, he said that despite clearing 15,000 kanals of land, his action somehow led to the destruction of the economy in the city.
With climate change taking its toll, the administration started a tree plantation drive without any additional funds from the government. People called it a show-off. Plastic bags were banned, the masses called it an action against the poor.
The shelter home initiative was met with criticism as well, saying Islamabad – a city of the rich- doesn’t need these.
The same was the response for facilitation centers in rural areas.
The administration came down hard on businesses that were selling items expensive than the approved rates. People complained that imposing such fines was destroying businesses.
The funniest response to one of his team’s initiatives, the Durust Daam app, was this:
The public also labeled him as ‘Twitter ka DC’ for his efforts to ensure transparency.
He was called ‘conservative and dictatorial’ for ensuring sheesha-free boys hostels and ‘ruthless’ for collecting more taxes for the national exchequer.
Despite all the negativity, DC Islamabad is committed more than ever to deliver.
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