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Collaborative Efforts Yield a Robust Governance Model for Pakistan

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Good governance is akin to the beating heart of a prosperous nation. It fosters a culture of reform, efficient implementation, proactive decision-making, just rewards for virtuous behavior, a consistent rhythm of progress, and unwavering accountability

  • Good Governance: A Universal Imperative: Whether in developed or underdeveloped nations, the principles of good governance, including the rule of law, are crucial for sustainable growth and societal well-being.
  • The Heartbeat of Prosperity: Good governance fosters a culture of reform, accountability, and proactive decision-making, serving as the bedrock for a prosperous nation and a robust democracy.
  • Pakistan’s Path to Progress: By prioritizing honest leadership, accountability, and effective governance structures, Pakistan can unlock its true potential and pave the way for a brighter future.

In a world marked by diverse political landscapes and varying levels of economic development, one thing remains constant: the significance of good governance in determining a nation’s prosperity. Regardless of whether a country including Pakistan, is considered developed or underdeveloped, the principles of good governance are indispensable for sustainable growth and well-being. Among these principles, the rule of law stands out as paramount.

Good governance is akin to the beating heart of a prosperous nation. It fosters a culture of reform, efficient implementation, proactive decision-making, just rewards for virtuous behavior, a consistent rhythm of progress, and unwavering accountability. In countries where the model of good governance thrives, its impact on economic and social development is undeniable. It not only cultivates healthy and vocal societies but also strengthens the foundations of democracy.

Embracing the timeless adage that “Honesty is the best policy,” our primary objective is to establish an actionable governance model tailored to meet the needs of the people of Pakistan. This model aims to ensure effective governance at every level of government, from the grassroots to the highest echelons. Its applicability extends to all government institutions, their functions, and relevant stakeholders, encompassing units ranging from tehsils and districts to divisions, provinces, and the entire nation.

Within this governance model, four distinct levels—Union Council/Town Committee, District Council/Metropolitan Corporation, Provincial, and Federal—form the framework for efficient governance. Irrespective of a country’s governance structure, it invariably operates on two key models: governance and deliverance. While the deliverance model obliges the government to provide citizens with basic necessities and guarantee constitutional rights, the governance model is indispensable to ensure the seamless delivery of these fundamental needs to every citizen’s doorstep.

Several crucial elements underpin effective governance, including coordination, implementation, accountability, and expeditious justice delivery. It is worth noting that even the most flawed system can succeed when led by honest individuals, whereas the most impeccable system can crumble under the weight of corruption and dishonesty.

The structure of provincial and federal governments is meticulously defined in the constitution, but the same cannot be said for the union and district councils. This oversight urgently demands rectification. Without an efficient local government structure, the constitutional guarantees of basic necessities remain elusive for citizens.

The core of our governance model is depicted in Figure 1, comprising three essential domains: Leadership, Execution Pillars, and Enablers. Leadership characteristics vital to this model include leading from the front, inspiring and motivating, taking initiative, fostering collaboration, promoting alignment, and building trust.

Within the Execution Pillars, key functions include the presence of honest individuals with domain expertise, inspirational and motivational leadership that leads by example, unwavering commitment, inclusivity, a clear and shared vision, units and organizations guided by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and SMART goals, staunch measures to prevent system leaks (such as smuggling, power theft, and tax evasion), and the introduction of a reform-oriented culture across all vital functions, including Law & Justice, Civil Service, Police, and the Correctional System.

In the Enabler domain, the cornerstone elements are honest individuals with subject expertise, government support, and a shared vision that unites all stakeholders.

In conclusion, good governance is not a luxury but a necessity for any nation striving for prosperity, whether developed or underdeveloped. It is the linchpin that ensures the efficient delivery of basic necessities and constitutional rights to every citizen. To achieve this, we must prioritize the establishment of a robust governance model, addressing gaps in local government structures, and fostering a culture of honesty, accountability, and reform at every level of governance. Only then can we unlock the true potential of our nation and pave the way for a brighter future.

The key factors in Enabler domain are, honest people with subject expertise, government support and shared vision.
The key factors in the Enabler domain are honest people with subject expertise, government support, and shared vision.

The Good Governance mechanism is shown in (Fig:2) 2 mainly describes the principles of good governance to be executed for positive outcomes.

The Good Governance mechanism is shown in (Fig:2) that mainly describes the principles of good governance to be executed for positive outcome.
The Good Governance mechanism is shown in (Fig:2) 2 mainly describes the principles of good governance to be executed for positive outcomes.

The sub-model mechanism in (Fig:3-7) shows the further segregation of some of the important domains mentioned in the execution pillars.

The sub model mechanism in (Fig:3-7) shows the further segregation of some of the important domains mentioned in the execution pillars.
The sub-model mechanism in (Fig:3-7) shows the further segregation of some of the important domains mentioned in the execution pillars.

Relationship between good governance and execution functions

Honest people/resources along with Domain expertise
Inspirational and motivational Leadership who could lead from the front Commitment, Inclusiveness & Clarity in the shared vision
KPI-based units/organizations along with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) Preventing leakage in the system (smuggling, power theft, tax evasion, etc.)
Introduce reforms culture in all main functions (Law & Justice, Civil service, Police/Jail, etc.)
The KPI Model is applicable universally due to its effectiveness. All government-based units and organizations should have KPI-based SMART goals to be reviewed at the end of the year.

Model Elaborations & Terminology

  • Follow high-character community service-type leadership models on how to lead and govern.
  • Focus on governance while in power with the aim to serve and deliver for the betterment of people.
  • Promote E-Government
  • Remove hurdles during execution and hold people accountable.
  • Develop standardization across the functions of Government.
  • Regular rhythm with government structures and set KPI for all government functions.
  • Find devoted, qualified, and capable people and install on in all domains of functions in society.
  • Prevent leakages in the system. No system can perform in the presence of leakage.
  • Leakage includes smuggling, theft, and tax evasion.
  • Remove corrupt civil servants and feudal who create hurdles & don’t let fruit trickle down to people. Replace with Honest executors.
  • These corrupt people are installed by design. Make them examples to others with punishments.
  • For punishment, reforms in law and justice are critical.
  • Bring clean leadership in all spheres of life and government structure.
  • Coordination, implementation, accountability, quick justice, and installation of honest officers in all spheres. Generally, the worst system can deliver with honest people leading it. But the best system can collapse with corruption and dishonest people.
  • Inspirational leadership is needed. Perform actions that make people successful, raise a downed morale person, help the needy in all forms, and don’t feel shy by doing small jobs to demonstrate work ethics. (No work is low/blue collar. Be a leader & good manager at the same time).
  • Follow-up and coordination is important.
  • Build up a district unit model as a pilot. Set plans and governing TORs, honest experts and coordinators, honest lawyers and judges. 
  • Rhythm with coordinators and execution teams and monitor KPI. Use military power to remove the hurdles.
  • Simplification of the model. Industry 4.0 (next industrial revolution)
  • Civil service revamping and reforms. CSS exam must not be the only criterion.
  • Lawyers’ education level, the Legal “Stay” system needs more diligence (no diligence), and set limit for a case (months or years). + Police reforms, judges and lawyers accountability, and their performance indicators. KPI of judges. Simplification of the legal system.
  • Political party reforms needed for better leadership
  • Women’s empowerment and economic opportunity for them is fundamental for the governance model
  • Elected people governance Model (Governance by Elected People).

Deliverance Mechanism in the Governance Model:

Union Council/Town Committee: A Union Council/Town committee should be responsible for providing, supervising & managing the below areas.

  • Middle school. 
  • Basic Health Unit. 
  • Clean water. 
  • Sewage and cleanliness. 
  • Streets maintenance.

District Council/Metropolitan Corporation: A District Council/Metropolitan Corporation should be responsible.

  • High School and colleges
  • Community/District hospitals
  • Building Roads 
  • Policing & law enforcement
  • District & lower courts
  • All Record keeping (land, marriage, birth, death, etc.) except NADRA, Motor vehicle and driver Licenses.

Provincial Level: A Province should be responsible for providing, supervising, and managing the below areas.

  • Funding, training, and supporting basic governing units
  • Law enforcement and anti-corruption
  • High courts
  • Colleges and universities
  • Agriculture
  • Trade and professional education
  • Motor vehicle registration/ Driver’s license
  • Hospitals
  • Government Land management
  • Roads and highways

Federal Government: The Federal Government should be responsible for the below areas.

  • Regulatory authorities, Law enforcement, FIA, NAB, etc.
  • Economy
  • Defence & Foreign affairs
  • Utilities Electric. Gas etc. 
  • Mining

Conclusion

Pakistan has encountered numerous challenges since its inception, most notably in the realms of law and order, a faltering justice system, and democratic instability. Democracy and effective governance are closely intertwined factors, and Pakistan has grappled with significant political turmoil since gaining independence, resulting in formidable and unwieldy governance obstacles. Corruption stands out as a prominent issue that has eroded Pakistan’s governance landscape, and good governance hinges on the bedrock of accountability. Regrettably, accountability remains a relatively foreign concept in Pakistan’s political arena, with little genuine effort invested in ensuring transparency and accountability.

Accountability and corruption are intricately linked factors, with the absence of accountability fostering and perpetuating a culture of corruption within the country. To rein in corruption and the abuse of power and privileges, stringent accountability measures are imperative. The nation’s impaired accountability system has contributed to subpar governance. Pakistan’s standing on the Global Corruption Perception Index, where it ranks 116th out of 176 nations, underscores the pervasive corruption plaguing the country. One of Pakistan’s foremost governance concerns is its outdated appointment system, which has persisted for decades as a matter of status quo policy. Both the Federal Public Service Commission and the Provincial Service Commission must reevaluate their selection criteria, as per the job’s terms of reference. These organizations have been enlisting ill-suited individuals to occupy critical positions within the country, emphasizing the necessity for a merit-based induction system.

These issues have impeded Pakistan’s ability to progress smoothly and sustainably. Recognizing the pivotal role of good governance in long-term advancement, the fundamental causes of poor governance in Pakistan encompass democratic instability, corruption, accountability deficits, a dearth of honest leadership, transparency shortcomings, and a lack of adherence to the rule of law.

In light of the aforementioned challenges, the GSGES team has undertaken a comprehensive endeavor to craft an indigenous document outlining an executable governance model tailored to meet the day-to-day governance needs of the Pakistani people, ensuring effective service delivery at the grassroots level.

This model has been meticulously cross-referenced with other functioning models worldwide, both in developed and underprivileged nations. It is with pride that we assert that this model is the most suitable fit for addressing the unique requirements of the Pakistani populace.

Acknowledgement:

The Governance model has been developed by the Centre for Governance, Geo Economics & Strategy platform.

Core Team includes Col ® Maqbool, Col ® Adnan, Dr. Ahsan Rajput, Mohammad Shafique, Khurram Mr. Shahzad Butt, Ms. Sumaya Mirza and Dr. Raheela Khalid

by Anees Hafiz ~ The Writer is an engineering management professional and the Author of Pakistan`s Defence & Nuclear Doctrine

This article was Published on 16th November 2023 in THE ISLAMABAD TELEGRAPH

by Anees Hafiz ~ The Writer is an engineering management professional and the Author of Pakistan`s Defence & Nuclear Doctrine

This article was Published on 16th November 2023 in THE ISLAMABAD TELEGRAPH https://theislamabadtelegraph.com/2023/11/new-governance-model-for-pakistan/

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Anees Hafiz

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