Power and authority exist in PAS..yes u need a political background and yes political pressure is also there as well because of dual accountability ...At higher level one can become secretary of any department... that's y it does have versitality mobility in all aspects ...as grade increase with respect to promotion ..protocol and salary does increase as well...BUT BASICALLY THERE LIES MORE RESPONSIBILITY ACCOUNTIBILITY ON ONES SHOULDER BESIDE PERKS... DOWNLOAD GEOMENTARY FROM YOUTUBE ABOUT THE LIFE OF VAROIUS BUREAUCRATS u will get fair idea