The Civil Services Academy (CSA) in Lahore has launched a specialized training program for officers of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), marking a significant step in public sector reform and capacity development. The initiative, themed “Transforming Governance: Enhancing Public Sector Performance and Integrity,” is designed to foster collaboration between public institutions and strengthen governance standards across the higher education sector.
The inaugural ceremony featured a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a warm welcome to notable guests, including Sulaiman Ahmad, Director of the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), Ghulam Nabi, Director General of HEC’s Regional Centre in Lahore, and the first group of HEC officers participating in the program.
During his presentation, Dr. Syed Shabbir Akbar Zaidi, Director of Capacity Building at CSA, outlined the Academy’s ongoing transformation towards a more practical and inclusive approach to civil service training. He detailed the Academy’s shift from traditional lecture-based teaching to immersive methods such as field attachments, simulations, and case-based learning. Dr. Zaidi also introduced the Academy’s National Outreach Programmes, aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity within the civil services.
Chief guest Sulaiman Ahmad commended CSA’s progressive training philosophy and its efforts to create public value. He praised the Academy’s focus on performance, inclusivity, and institutional integrity at a time when public sector organizations are expected to be more responsive. Ahmad highlighted the significance of this first-ever training program for HEC officers at CSA, describing it as a milestone in public sector capacity building.
Ghulam Nabi, as guest of honour, also acknowledged CSA’s efforts, particularly its move toward experiential learning and inclusivity. He emphasized the need for civil servants to uphold institutional integrity, ethical standards, and performance-driven service delivery in public administration.
Farhan Aziz Khawaja, Director General of CSA, stressed the importance of collaborative engagement between CSA and NAHE to address complex policy challenges, including the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. He underlined the necessity of shared learning, innovation, and ongoing capacity building in adapting to governance challenges.
The event concluded with closing remarks from the Director General of CSA and the presentation of commemorative shields to the guests. This collaborative training program underscores CSA’s commitment to equipping public sector officers with the skills and perspective needed to address modern governance challenges with integrity and adaptability.
