The 17 grade officer in Pakistan's Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) holds a field appointment as an Assistant Commissioner (AC). This role combines the duties of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and an Assistant Collector of Land Revenue.
Understanding the Role of a Grade 17 Officer in Pakistan
The Pakistan Administrative Service is a prestigious civil service that plays a crucial role in the administration of the country. Officers in this service are assigned various responsibilities across different levels of government. One important grade within the PAS is Grade 17.
Here’s a breakdown of what that entails:
- BPS-17: This grade marks an officer's first field posting, primarily in sub-divisional administrations.
- Assistant Commissioner (AC): As an AC, the officer combines judicial and revenue responsibilities. They act as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), dealing with law and order at the local level, and as an Assistant Collector for land revenue.
Key Responsibilities
The core responsibilities of a Grade 17 officer, specifically an Assistant Commissioner (AC), include:
- Law and Order Maintenance: As SDM, they are responsible for the maintenance of peace and order within their sub-division.
- Revenue Collection: As Assistant Collector, they handle land revenue collection and related matters.
- Magisterial Duties: They handle specific judicial cases and can impose penalties according to the law.
- Public Administration: They oversee local level administration and ensure the smooth functioning of government operations within their sub-division.
Comparison with Other Grades
| Grade | Remarks |
|---|---|
| BPS-17 | Field appointment of AC combines roles of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Assistant Collector (Land Revenue) |
| BPS-18 | Field appointment of DC combines roles of District Magistrate (DM) and Collector (Land Revenue) |
| BPS-19 |
As you can see, the officer progresses to the next level as District Commissioner (DC) in BPS-18 and they are the senior authority in district administration.
In conclusion, a 17 grade officer in Pakistan is an Assistant Commissioner (AC), who is a critical component of the administrative structure at the sub-divisional level.
