LAHORE:The Civil Services Academy (CSA), Lahore, hosted 100 probationary officers of the Government of Sindh for a week-long National Study Tour from October 11 to 16, providing them with practical exposure to governance reforms, digital transformation, public-sector innovation and Punjab’s administrative practices.
The study tour was organised under the 1st Common Training Programme (CTP) in collaboration with the Training Management and Research (TMR) Wing of the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department (SandGAD), Government of Sindh, to promote inter-provincial cooperation, professional learning and national integration, said a press release issued here on Saturday.
CSA Director General Farhan Aziz Khawaja said such initiatives were essential for broadening the intellectual horizons of probationary officers, connecting theoretical instruction with practical experience and preparing future civil servants to address complex administrative challenges. He emphasised that interaction with diverse institutions, distinguished professionals and different cultural perspectives helped develop a shared vision of public service while fostering professional relationships among officers from different provinces.
During the tour, the officers visited various provincial departments, regulatory authorities and public-sector organisations, including the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), Punjab Land Records Authority (PLRA), Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA), Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), Rescue 1122, Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
The visits included institutional briefings and interactive discussions on administrative reforms, digital governance, regulatory mechanisms, organisational mandates and public service delivery. The officers also explored initiatives related to healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental protection, skills development, urban management, investment promotion and public welfare.
The programme included exposure to governance initiatives associated with the Chief Secretary Punjab’s Office, including the EDGE initiative. The engagements highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making, interdepartmental coordination, technology-enabled administration and institutional accountability in improving public-sector performance.
The probationary officers also interacted with distinguished practitioners and experts. Fakir Syed Aijazuddin spoke on Lahore’s historical and cultural heritage, while Kamran Lashari discussed the significance and preservation of the Walled City of Lahore.
Their itinerary included visits to the offices of the Chief Minister and Governor of Punjab, Lahore Museum, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan and the Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A visit to Wagah Border provided further insight into Pakistan’s national identity, security environment and regional context.
A workshop conducted by the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) exposed the officers to contemporary perspectives on governance, policy analysis and institutional performance.
A key feature of the programme was an interaction with defence and security analyst and Pathfinder Group Chairman Ikram Sehgal at the Civil Services Academy’s Walton Campus on October 15.
Ikram Sehgal inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the academic and professional work of probationary officers of the 54th Common Training Programme (CTP) at Mehran Block before addressing the visiting officers of the 1st CTP, TMR Wing, SandGAD, Government of Sindh, at Jinnah Auditorium.
The exhibition featured field and departmental attachments, book reviews, research assignments and other professional development activities, demonstrating how experiential learning could connect classroom instruction with practical administrative challenges.
Addressing the officers, Ikram Sehgal highlighted the importance of professional integrity, independent thinking, initiative and a results-oriented approach to public service. Drawing on his experience in defence, security and strategic affairs, he discussed the changing dimensions of national security, the relationship between hard and soft power, and the implications of technological developments for governance and society. He also highlighted the potential of digital solutions to improve financial inclusion and access to public services, citing the Asaan Mobile Account initiative as an example of technology-enabled outreach to underserved communities.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which the officers raised questions about national security, technological transformation, strategic interests and the evolving responsibilities of civil servants.
In his concluding remarks, CSA DG thanked Ikram Sehgal for sharing his insights and acknowledged the cooperation of the Government of Sindh, Sindh House and the TMR Wing, SandGAD, in facilitating the study tour. He appreciated Ikram Sehgal’s professional achievements and contributions, describing his experience and thought leadership as valuable sources of learning for young officers aspiring to contribute to public service and national development.
The director general said collaborative training initiatives enabled probationary officers to learn from successful governance practices, understand diverse administrative approaches and develop the skills required to lead institutional change and deliver responsive, accountable and citizen-centric services.
He further observed that bringing together officers from different provincial services promoted mutual understanding, strengthened professional linkages and contributed to national integration.
The study tour concluded at the Civil Services Academy on October 16 with a workshop, a closing address by the director general, a collective reflection on learning outcomes, a group photograph and a concluding lunch.
The programme ended with an exchange of souvenirs between the participating institutions, symbolising institutional goodwill and their shared commitment to continued cooperation in civil service training, capacity-building and leadership development.