The federal government has notified the Civil Servants Conduct Rules 2026. Under the rules, strict restrictions have been imposed on government employees on conflicts of interest, asset details, use of social media, gifts, additional employment and political activities.
According to the rules, Grade 17 and above officers will have to declare their assets annually, while strict disciplinary action will be taken for violation.
According to a gazette notification of the Establishment Division received by 24 NewsHD TV Channel, the federal government has implemented the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules 2026, which will be applicable immediately to all civil servants posted across the country and abroad.
According to a notification, these rules have been framed under the Civil Servants Act 1973 with the approval of the Prime Minister. Under the new rules, comprehensive and strict regulations have been introduced for government employees regarding conflict of interest, asset details, use of social media, gifts and incentives, additional employment and political activities.
The notification states that every civil servant will be bound to protect his or her financial interests and those of his or her family from conflicting with official duties, while in case of any potential conflict of interest, the concerned officer will have to recuse himself or herself from the decision-making process. Under the rules, it has been made mandatory for all government employees to submit details of their assets, while officers in grade 17 and above will disclose their assets on an annual basis through a digital portal.
These assets will also be audited by the Federal Board of Revenue and some information may also be released to the public, with the aim of further strengthening the accountability process. Strict restrictions have also been imposed on gifts and incentives. Any government employee or his family member has been barred from accepting gifts that may affect official duties.
Similarly, it has been made mandatory to obtain prior permission from the federal government to receive foreign honors or titles. Clear and strict instructions have also been issued regarding the use of social media. Government employees will not be able to become part of any website, blog, vlog or media platform without permission, while personal social media accounts will also be banned from disclosing official matters or information.
Furthermore, instructions have been given to keep official and personal social media accounts separate and it has also been prohibited to publish any content on personal accounts that is related to official work, resources, privileges or responsibilities or is used for personal promotion.
According to the rules, the cadre administrator will also have the authority to ask government employees for details of their personal social media accounts at any time.
In addition, government employees have been prohibited from publishing memoirs or writings based on experiences gained during their employment that could reveal confidential information.
Under the new conduct rules, government employees are also explicitly prohibited from participating in politics, supporting any political activity, or publicly expressing opinions against government policies.
Similarly, it is prohibited to take up full-time or part-time employment in any bank, company, private trust, foundation or non-profit organization during the period of service (except during approved extraordinary leave with specific conditions). The rules also clarify that no government employee shall take up any employment or affiliation with any foreign government nor shall he be able to use his official position, authority or influence for personal, private or organizational interests.
Furthermore, emphasis has been placed on maintaining dignified behavior, responsible conduct, punctuality, professional integrity and public reputation for government employees, and this standard will also apply to their personal and official social media behavior.
With the implementation of the new rules, the government has abolished the previous Conduct Rules of 1964, however, the measures taken under them have been maintained. According to experts, the aim of the new Conduct Rules is to improve transparency, accountability and professional standards in the government system and restore public trust.
Reporter: Baber Shahzad