Call for evidence-based policymaking

Pakistan needs stronger institutions, improved governance, evidence-based policymaking and effective implementation to address its complex national and international challenges, participants at a policy forum said on Saturday.

The views were expressed at the annual meeting of the National Advisory Council (NAC) of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), attended by scholars, policymakers, diplomats, technocrats and practitioners. The participants called for forward-looking, practical, sustainable and actionable approaches to Pakistan's future.

Chaired by IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman and moderated by Vice Chairman retired Ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain, the meeting also contributed to shaping the institute's future research agenda.

Justice Dr Syed Muhammad Anwer, judge, Federal Shariat Court, Dr Anis Ahmad, VC, Riphah International University; retired ambassador] Sardar Masood Khan, former president, AJK; retired Lt Gen Hidayatur Rehman, chairman, AJK Public Service Commission; Owais Ahmed Ghani, former governor Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, former chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology; retired Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Rao; Syed Abu Ahmad Akif, former federal secretary; Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, former federal secretary and IG police and others and other key speakers addressed the forum.

Participants noted that Pakistan faced persistent governance, economic, climate and security challenges amid profound changes in the post-9/11 global order.