Think Outside the Box and Embrace Technology for Innovative Solutions that Impact Millions

Karachi, 14th February 2025: The culmination ceremony of the 42nd Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC) was held with great enthusiasm, celebrating the successful completion of the 14-week program. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Salman Faruqui, ex- Secretary and former head of Federal Ombudsman, and Mr. Fouz Khalid Khan, Chief Instructor. Distinguished participants included Dr. Ayaz Mustafa, Director Staff, and Mr. Ghaus Ali Shah, Instructor, along with esteemed members of the 42nd MCMC batch comprising senior officers from various government departments and public sector organizations.
In his inspiring address, Mr. Salman Faruqui urged the participants to go beyond conventional methods, emphasizing, “Bureaucrats are not here for patchwork. You should think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas to provide solutions rather than just sticking to basics and doing firework.” He stressed the importance of efficient governance, declaring, “Bureaucratic delays must not find any space in your office.” Reflecting on his experience at the Wafaqi Mohtasib, he recalled a poignant incident: “One Railway employee pensioner died while pursuing his case. From that day onwards, I realized that the pension case should never be delayed.” This inspired him to establish a framework ensuring timely processing of pension cases, incorporating biometric verification for transparency.
He further acknowledged the challenges faced by public servants, adding, “Political pressure, resource shortage, but nations are built on those who didn’t follow the status quo. They are remembered as the ones who built up Pakistan and left a legacy behind.”
Mr. Salman Faruqui is also the author of the memoir “Dear Mr. Jinnah: 70 Years In The Life Of A Pakistani Civil Servant,” which blends his personal reminiscences with first-hand accounts of developments in Pakistan across different domains from 1947 to 2017. During his long and distinguished career, he served in top civil service positions, including as Federal Secretary, Ambassador At Large, Secretary General to the President, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, and Federal Ombudsman. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for future public servants to lead with vision and integrity.
Mr. Fouz Khalid Khan, Chief Instructor, highlighted the program’s focus on evolving issues such as public leadership, technology-driven innovation, and accountable governance. He emphasized the importance of developing “soft management skills and adopting cutting-edge cyber security practices” to enhance public service delivery.
Dr. Ayaz Mustafa, Director Staff, motivated the participants, stating, “Leadership is about influencing positive change. It’s not just about holding a position but making a difference that impacts millions.” He further emphasized the need for “responsive and accountable governance” and the adoption of “innovative solutions through strategic use of technology.”
The 42nd MCMC included practical simulation exercises on “Blue Economy of Pakistan,” “Udaan Pakistan,” and “Transport System of Karachi,” along with a study tour to Quetta, where participants met with the Chief Secretary and Army Corps officials.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to bureaucrats on the successful completion of their 14-week course, including Mr. Nauman Ahmed and Mr. Ahsan from MOIB.
Participants left with a firm resolve to utilize their newly acquired skills to drive positive change, ensuring efficient public service delivery and impactful governance.