Maj Gen Irfan Malik Transforms ML&C from Crisis to Reform

ISLAMABAD – In a span of just two years, Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik HI (M) has orchestrated a remarkable transformation of the Military Lands & Cantonments (ML&C) Department, steering it from a state of institutional crisis to a model of administrative efficiency, transparency, and reform. Taking charge in September 2023, at a time when the department was reeling under legal, financial, and operational turmoil, his visionary leadership has now become a benchmark of progress within the public sector.

When Maj. Gen. Irfan assumed command, the ML&C Department was, by all accounts, on the brink of collapse. Over 8,000 litigations, particularly related to the Uniform Taxation Policy, had paralyzed its operations. Multiple adverse court rulings had barred Cantonment Boards—under ML&C’s jurisdiction—from collecting taxes, their primary revenue stream. With 44 cantonments serving over five million residents across Pakistan, the implications were grave. Bankruptcy loomed, morale was at an all-time low, and institutional credibility was crumbling.

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Legislative Breakthrough and Digital Transformation

Within just eight months, Maj. Gen. Irfan achieved what many had deemed improbable: he facilitated a critical constitutional amendment restoring the department’s ability to collect taxes, reviving financial stability and service delivery across the cantonments.

Simultaneously, he turned to automation as the cornerstone of transparency and public trust. Despite facing resistance from entrenched interests, he launched the first-ever ML&C Management Information System (MIS). This fully integrated digital platform streamlined all core operations—finance, taxation, audit, procurement, HR management, legal affairs, and public services. It drastically reduced human interaction in administrative processes, thereby curbing opportunities for corruption and inefficiency.

The digitization of over 30,000 employee records and implementation of real-time, paperless systems marked a cultural shift within the organization. Mobile notifications for postings and transfers, along with the introduction of an AI-based attendance app featuring geo-fencing and live verification, further strengthened accountability. Payroll systems were directly linked to attendance, helping eliminate ghost employees and ensuring transparency in salary disbursements.

Human Resource Rationalization and Reforms

Understanding that true institutional change lies in human capital, Maj. Gen. Irfan launched a comprehensive HR Rationalization initiative. A detailed study conducted under his leadership introduced the “Basic Functional Unit” framework, helping restructure staffing across cantonments. This process identified over 2,500 surplus or irregular staff, saving the department nearly Rs. 1 billion annually.

He also addressed long-ignored issues of employment regularization and promotions. In 2024, the Cantonments Servants Regularization Policy was launched to give due rights to contract, ad-hoc, and daily wage employees who had been serving for years without job security. Furthermore, he cleared a massive backlog of 2,776 pending promotions—some dating back to 2019—reviving confidence and motivation among the workforce.

Maj. Gen. Irfan personally chaired every recruitment interview, ensuring a culture of meritocracy was not just encouraged but enforced. In tandem, he implemented strict accountability measures, initiating over 100 inquiries and removing those found guilty of misconduct.

Welfare, Policy, and Innovation

Alongside administrative discipline, employee welfare remained a key priority. Pension and commutation cases that had languished for years were expedited and resolved. The Prime Minister’s Assistance Package was effectively implemented for deserving families.

Policy development also flourished during his tenure. Several forward-looking policies were introduced, including:

• CB Polio Eradication Support Policy

• ML&C Rent Controller Policy

• Driver Code of Conduct

• ML&C Health and Education Policy

In a bid to engage the youth and build future capacity, a national internship program was launched, spanning legal, engineering, health, and horticulture sectors.

A Legacy of Reform and Vision

The breadth and depth of reforms under Maj. Gen. Irfan’s leadership have not only rescued ML&C from a deep crisis but have positioned it as a model of public sector reform in Pakistan. His tenure, rooted in pragmatic thinking, disciplined execution, and compassionate governance, has restored institutional confidence and set a precedent for others to follow.

By combining innovation, integrity, and an unrelenting commitment to meritocracy, Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik has left behind a legacy that will shape the ML&C Department—and potentially wider public sector governance—for years to come.