LAHORE:
Improvement in governance is critical to the stability of the country, stated a report issued by the Institute for Policy Reforms.
The comprehensive report, titled “Strategy not Tactics: Better Governance for Social Stability in Pakistan” highlights how the country’s population feels alienated towards the prevailing political situation. Stress is laid on the apparently inefficient administration.
Chaotic law and order situation, social deficit, poor infrastructure, inflation and electricity crisis are just few of the prominent problems, stated the report.
“What the people see in their daily lives is a disinterested government and state institutions that do not perform. The concentration of power is among economic, financial and political elites and the resultant inequality has increased the perception of Pakistan as an unjust state,” states the report.
The report underlined the importance of political stability, participation of people in decision-making, and effectiveness of state organisations. “Pakistan has been doing poorly in most governance indices. It may be doing worse than before on some indicators.”
Establishing a link between governance, politics and quality of life, the report added “well-governed countries have strong institutions that set rules of conduct. Institutions become strong if people in power are trusted. Countries with inclusive economic policies have a high ratio of public spending to GDP, and enjoy a high quality of life.”
Pakistan has one of the lowest ratios of public spending to GDP in line with its equally low tax to GDP ratio and even more paltry contribution from direct taxes. Contrary to popular belief, number of federal workers per capita is also very low. Pakistan has two civil servants per thousand people.
The report stressed on transparency and efficiency as mandatory factors to boost public spending. Reforms in government operations are a must. Increase in capacity of officials, a culture of responsiveness and rules and limit patronage are keys to improving administration and building state effectiveness were also pointed.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2014.
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All that is needed most important is absence of accountability....