Dubai launches Phase II of ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ programme

Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Launches Phase II of “Zero Bureaucracy” Programme

Dubai, June 16, 2025 | His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today unveiled the second phase of the UAE government’s flagship “Zero Bureaucracy” initiative. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he stated:

“Today, we launched the second phase of the Zero Bureaucracy programme in the UAE government… a national project to create simpler, faster, and more effective government services.”

Reflecting on phase one, Sheikh Mohammed noted the programme:

• Slashed service delivery times by over 70%
• Eliminated more than 4,000 redundant procedures
• Saved citizens over 12 million hours otherwise lost to travel and waiting

Acknowledging the efforts of over 30 government entities and 690 specialised teams, he emphasized a fresh focus on eliminating digital bureaucracy, aiming for “a government without complexity, services without delays, and results which make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Why Pakistan Struggles to Tame Bureaucracy

1. Scale and Cost of the Civil Service

• Pakistan’s civilian bureaucracy spans approximately 3.2 million employees, accounting for around 5% of the national labour force and 1.6% of the population.
• Total government spending equals roughly 22% of GDP, with wages (salaries and allowances) alone representing 3.6% of GDP and around 19% of current expenditure.
• A 2023 study by PIDE estimated that the annual cost of public servant wages, pensions, perks, and operating expenses exceeds PKR 8 trillion (for ~1.92 million federal employees, excluding military).

2. Attempts at Reform and Obstacles

• In 2021, the Cabinet identified that federal bureaucracy costs had surged from Rs 175 billion in 2010 to around Rs 500 billion, prompting the proposed abolition of 71,000 vacant posts.
• Editorial voices highlight persistent issues such as political interference, entrenched bureaucratic patronage (“babu mafia”), and a culture of procedural delays and privileges.

3. Why No UAE‑Style Zero Bureaucracy in Pakistan?

• Political economy: Pakistan’s bureaucracy enjoys deep-rooted political ties and privileges. Reform attempts often stall due to fears of backlash and job-loss controversies, especially when public servants are used for patronage and voter mobilisation.
• Weak enforcement of austerity directives: While circulars to control hiring and spending have been issued, their implementation is irregular. Further, reforms are often reactive rather than part of a central, high‑profile strategy led by the head of government.
• Absence of a national commitment with clear targets: Unlike Sheikh Mohammed’s campaign with measurable KPIs (e.g., 4,000 procedures removed, 70% speed-up), Pakistan lacks a top-down, quantifiable programme focused on digital transformation and real-time monitoring.

Summary Table: UAE vs Pakistan Bureaucracy Reform

What Could Pakistan Do?

1. Issue a high-level reform decree (e.g. Prime Minister‑led circular) with specific targets—process elimination, digitalisation, and timeline reductions.
2. Set up cross-government teams with real incentives to identify and scrap redundant procedures.
3. Invest in digital platforms to replace manual forms, track process times live, and hold officials accountable.
4. Monitor publicly: publish monthly progress metrics—time saved, procedures removed, cost reductions—and attach reforms to political responsibility.