Planning has remained the main component of the growth strategy adopted by nations to accelerate their growth in recent times. Being cognizant of the importance of the planning process, the Government of Pakistan, since its inception, has made various strategies for economic development based on the principle of balanced and sustainable growth. Pakistan has progressed, yet the pace has not been fast and diversified enough to substantially improve the living standards of the people and push the country from the lower income to the upper-middle-income group. The overall and sectoral growth path has remained uneven and bumpy. There have been periods of high, moderate, and slow economic growth and sector performance. The incidence of poverty and income and wealth disparity has remained high. Thus, the overhang of macroeconomic imbalances coupled with political uncertainty and structural problems has inhibited the long-term growth prospects of the economy.
_________________________Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are pivotal to global economic development and employment, with their substantial contributions to GDP, exports, and industrial employment in Pakistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), SMEs constitute 99% of businesses, highlighting their central role in the regional economy. However, the sector has faced significant setbacks due to terrorism, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in SME productivity and growth. This research explores the challenges faced by SMEs in KP and underscores the need for enhanced policy facilitation, financial incentives, and infrastructure development. Recommendations include fostering innovation through incubation centers, increasing women business centers, and leveraging public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure and skill development. Additionally, promoting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and establishing foreign trade facilitation centers are proposed to boost exports and investment. The study emphasizes that overcoming these obstacles is crucial for unlocking KP's economic potential and achieving sustainable development.
_________________________Life The current study is conducted for the critical analysis of sports facilities and institutional structure in KP. The government of KP is spending billions on developing international-standard sports infrastructure. The government allocated a substantial amount of Rs. 22,402 million for the development of the sports sector in the province, which is praiseworthy. Despite all the support from the government, many issues at the grassroots level need to be addressed. Justified distribution of sports funds for the construction of facilities is essential. The institutional setup of sports is also analyzed to ensure smooth coordination among various tiers and to improve the sports environment for the players. The research methodology is qualitative in nature, and secondary data is used to analyze the topic. The impact of sports facilities on the players and sports as a whole has been analyzed, and recommendations for the improvement of sports facilities and the institutional structure have been proposed. This research paper has been completed under the kind supervision and guidance of NIM faculty advisor, DS Mr. Muhammad Tayyab. His technical support and guidance in writing this paper are greatly appreciated.
_________________________The evolution of Pakistan's education system dates back to the British Era, with influences from earlier Hindu and Muslim traditions. The system includes both public and private institutions, with significant disparities in quality and accessibility. British colonial education aimed to instill Western values and create a workforce for administrative functions, leading to a persistent divide between secular and religious education. Despite success in specialized fields like medicine and engineering, the system faces challenges such as a theoretical focus, commercialization, and inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations include hands-on skill development, uniform and compulsory education up to the intermediate level, addressing societal changes, integrating moral values, improving teacher education, and increasing investment in the education sector.
_________________________The criminal justice system in Pakistan relies heavily on its three pillars: police, prisons, and judiciary. Since the enactment of the KP Police Act 2017, aimed at transforming the police into a professional and autonomous body, significant strides have been made. These include reforms in recruitment, training, and public accessibility, alongside the introduction of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Mechanism and ICT initiatives. However, challenges persist, such as weak investigation capabilities, difficulties in integrating ex levies, and the need for an enhanced Counter Terrorism Department. Recommendations for improvement include ensuring full implementation of the KP Police Act, updating colonial-era police rules, developing forensic labs, and reinforcing investigation units. Enhancements in ICT, external accountability mechanisms, and legislative reforms are also vital. Addressing these areas is essential to achieving a more efficient and trustworthy police force, thereby strengthening Pakistan’s overall criminal justice system.
_________________________Passport facilitation is integral to global mobility and economic resilience, particularly for countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, reliant on overseas employment and remittances. This study explores Pakistan's passport policies since the 1970s, examining efforts to balance facilitation with security amid geopolitical shifts. Proposed policy options include granting the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP) greater financial autonomy, harnessing technology for streamlined services, and fostering bilateral agreements to bolster passport rankings globally. Emphasizing efficient processes, robust security measures, and professional management is crucial to overcoming operational challenges and enhancing international passport acceptance. By implementing these strategies, Pakistan and comparable nations can optimize passport issuance, benefiting citizens and strengthening their global diplomatic standing. This research contributes insights into public governance and policy management in the context of passport facilitation, offering pathways for enhancing service delivery and international engagement.
_________________________The term "diplomacy" has evolved from its ancient Greek origins to its modern-day interpretation as the peaceful conduct of international relations. Traditionally, diplomacy involved non-violent means and official, communicative functions. However, technological advancements and the rise of non-state actors have transformed diplomacy, expanding its scope to include various activities by state and non-state entities. Pakistan's foreign policy, historically centered on geo-strategic concerns, is now shifting towards geo economic diplomacy. Despite significant internal and external challenges, Pakistan seeks to project a positive global image and enhance its influence through robust foreign policy and economic diplomacy. Recommendations for strengthening Pakistan’s diplomacy include enhancing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on bilateral and geo-economic diplomacy, investing in human resources and public diplomacy, and maintaining consistent policies. Addressing these areas is essential for Pakistan to emerge as a key regional and international player.
_________________________Higher education is pivotal in social, economic, cultural, and technological advancement, fostering individual development and societal growth. It provides essential in-depth knowledge for building an educated, contemporary society. The main purposes of higher education include education, training, research, and service. With globalization, the demand for high-quality higher education has surged, requiring robust standards to meet these needs. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the higher education system faces challenges such as lack of creativity, modern teaching methodologies, adequate infrastructure, and cross-cultural awareness. Despite significant growth, KP's higher education system needs transformational and innovative approaches to improve quality and align with global standards. Addressing these issues is crucial for economic development and ensuring higher education's role in tackling social, cultural, and economic challenges. Strategic reforms, including quality management, enhanced infrastructure, and innovative teaching methods, are essential for KP to meet the growing demands and opportunities of higher education.
_________________________Solar energy, introduced in the 1980s, has emerged as a pivotal component of the global energy mix, offering renewable, sustainable power harnessed directly from sunlight through technologies such as photovoltaic and thermal collectors. Solar installations entail minimal operational costs and boast a lifespan of nearly three decades, contributing to reduced emissions and mitigated greenhouse effects. The sun's radiation, available universally albeit variably, holds immense potential, with just one and a half hours of sunlight capable of meeting global energy needs for a year. Despite these advantages, Pakistan remains in the early stages of solar adoption, heavily reliant on fossil fuels. To overcome this energy dilemma, robust legislative support is essential to facilitate a transition towards solarization. Policy interventions should prioritize subsidies, technology transfers, and streamlined procedures to attract both local and foreign investment. Drawing lessons from successful models in India and Germany, Pakistan should focus on comprehensive energy reforms, integrating solar power into its national agenda to ensure sustainability and economic stability.
_________________________Solar energy, introduced in the 1980s, has emerged as a pivotal component of the global energy mix, offering renewable, sustainable power harnessed directly from sunlight through technologies such as photovoltaic and thermal collectors. Solar installations entail minimal operational costs and boast a lifespan of nearly three decades, contributing to reduced emissions and mitigated greenhouse effects. The sun's radiation, available universally albeit variably, holds immense potential, with just one and a half hours of sunlight capable of meeting global energy needs for a year. Despite these advantages, Pakistan remains in the early stages of solar adoption, heavily reliant on fossil fuels. To overcome this energy dilemma, robust legislative support is essential to facilitate a transition towards solarization. Policy interventions should prioritize subsidies, technology transfers, and streamlined procedures to attract both local and foreign investment. Drawing lessons from successful models in India and Germany, Pakistan should focus on comprehensive energy reforms, integrating solar power into its national agenda to ensure sustainability and economic stability.
_________________________