This year's list includes 30 women in the top echelons of government, up from 24 in last year's ranking.

FORBES

Politically, the maintenance of popular support for the jihadists against the US meant that support for Pakistan's alliance with the US was felt only at the top echelons of the government and military.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Pakistani nightmare

Government adviser Lord Browne warned earlier this year that curbs on pay at the top echelons of the civil service were making it difficult to recruit "talented" staff.

BBC: Civil service pay: 57 fewer top earners than a year ago