Pakistan’s Policy Paradox: Why Good Intentions Fail?
- Political Instability and Weak Institutions: Frequent government changes and weak institutional capacity hinder the continuity and effective implementation of public policies in Pakistan.
- Corruption and Lack of Inclusivity: Corruption skews resource allocation, while excluding stakeholders from policy development results in impractical and ineffective solutions.
- Need for Long-Term Planning and Accountability: Strengthening institutions, ensuring inclusivity, and adopting long-term, data-driven approaches are essential for transforming policy failures into successes.
Public policy shapes a nation’s socio-economic landscape, influencing education, healthcare, national security, and economic development. In Pakistan, the policy-making process has faced numerous challenges, resulting in repeated failures despite the best intentions. The paradox of public policy in Pakistan is its struggle to convert good intentions into meaningful, long-lasting impact. This article explores the causes of these shortcomings and offers solutions to improve the efficacy of policy.
Genuine concerns for national welfare often drive public policy in Pakistan. Policies are crafted to tackle pressing issues like poverty, healthcare, and education. However, these well-meaning intentions sometimes fall short of producing tangible outcomes. A notable example is Pakistan’s energy policy, which has undergone several revisions without alleviating the ongoing power shortages. Likewise, education reforms aimed at boosting literacy rates have faced significant hurdles due to gaps in implementation. The shortcomings of these policies reveal a critical flaw in the policy-making process—good intentions alone are insufficient; there must be strong execution mechanisms in place.
Frequent government changes, military interventions, and early elections have marked Pakistan’s political landscape. No prime minister has managed to complete a full five-year term, resulting in a lack of continuity in policy. For instance, development policies have varied with each new administration, causing many long-term initiatives to be abandoned or only partially implemented. In an unstable political environment, even well-designed policies struggle to take hold. The implementation of these policies is often hampered by weak institutional capacity. Take Pakistan’s public health sector, for example; it has faced challenges in eradicating polio despite numerous initiatives. This issue arises from poor coordination between federal and provincial authorities and insufficient resources. Stronger institutions are essential for the successful execution of policies.
Corruption is a pervasive issue within Pakistan’s political and bureaucratic systems. Dr. Zia-ur-Rehman points out that it has become a standard practice, skewing resource allocation and favoring the interests of elites over the public good. This corruption has negatively impacted public projects like the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme, resulting in delays and inefficiencies. Policies often fall short because they are developed without input from crucial stakeholders, especially those directly affected. For example, education reforms have been implemented without consulting teachers or local communities, leading to policies that fail to reflect the realities on the ground. Involving a more comprehensive range of stakeholders can foster more practical and effective policies.
Even when policies are well-crafted, their execution often falls short. Initiatives like the Kissan Package, intended to support farmers, have struggled due to inadequate monitoring, leading to resources failing to reach those who need them most. This gap between policy formulation and practical application is a significant factor in policy shortcomings. Strengthening institutions is crucial to maintaining policy consistency and capability. A more unified approach between federal and provincial entities is essential for effective policy implementation, especially in sectors like healthcare and education.
To tackle corruption, Pakistan must create transparent and independent oversight bodies to prevent personal agendas from undermining policies. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) should be empowered to operate free from political pressures. Policy development must involve contributions from all relevant parties, including local communities, civil society, and experts. This collaborative approach will help ensure that policies address the needs of the population, particularly those of marginalized groups, and build broader public support.
Policies should be designed with long-term frameworks that extend beyond political terms. Pakistan’s climate change policy is a good example, as it was created with a long-term perspective, ensuring continuity despite shifting political landscapes. Leveraging technology for real-time monitoring and feedback can enhance policy implementation and accountability. Digital platforms can help track policy progress and ensure effective resource allocation.
Pakistan’s power sector is a clear example of how persistent issues in public policy can lead to ongoing failures. Despite numerous government attempts to reform the sector, the country continues to grapple with severe power shortages and escalating electricity costs, affecting its socio-economic stability. In the 1990s, the introduction of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) aimed to tackle these shortages. Although the policy was likely well-meaning, it overlooked the long-term repercussions. The government is still burdened with substantial fixed payments to these IPPs, regardless of actual electricity usage, leading to significant financial losses. While the shift towards solar energy is a commendable move towards renewable sources, it has unintentionally raised grid-connected electricity tariffs due to decreased demand, placing further strain on consumers.
Failures in policy implementation and a lack of strategic planning have exacerbated inefficiencies within the power sector. Transmission losses remain alarmingly high, and despite substantial investments, there is still underutilized capacity. Tariffs have skyrocketed by 155% since 2021, primarily due to agreements to secure loans from international bodies like the IMF. These decisions, made without considering their long-term effects on the average citizen, have fueled public discontent and intensified the energy crisis. The power sector policy paradox highlights significant issues within Pakistan’s public policy-making system: a lack of inclusivity, insufficient long-term planning, and the impact of external pressures, all contributing to unsatisfactory results despite good intentions.
Pakistan’s public policy failures stem from political instability, weak institutions, corruption, and ineffective implementation. To tackle these challenges, a comprehensive strategy is needed, which includes strengthening institutions, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing accountability mechanisms. By embracing a long-term, data-driven approach and engaging all stakeholders in the policy-making process, Pakistan can transform its policy failures into successes, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous future.
The author is an International Relations graduate, interested in global affairs, public policy, and governance.
