This paper investigates the challenges and inefficiencies in Pakistan's public sector performance, focusing on the implementation of reforms and citizen-centric policies. Despite efforts to boost economic growth and reduce poverty through loans and programs by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) since 1998, significant issues persist. The reforms aimed to enhance feedback mechanisms, stabilize the economy, and support development programs, yet the anticipated changes have been inadequate. The study highlights the impact of inter-provincial conflicts and the uneven resource allocation exacerbated by the 18th Amendment to the Constitution and the role of the National Finance Commission (NFC) and the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Recommendations include increasing provincial shares of national resources, strengthening the CCI’s decision-making role, and fostering greater intergovernmental coordination. To improve Pakistan's federal structure, the paper calls for a more collaborative and participative federalist approach.
_________________________Pakistan is grappling with a severe nutritional crisis driven by poor food habits, insufficient awareness, and pervasive poverty. This crisis is exacerbated by rising rates of malnutrition, stunted growth, and micronutrient deficiencies. This research investigates the link between food habits and the nutritional crisis in Pakistan and assesses its impact on individual performance and future population health. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative and quantitative data to analyze Pakistani food habits and their effects on nutritional status. Findings reveal that unhealthy food choices, such as the consumption of fast and junk food, are major contributors to the crisis. The repercussions include diminished cognitive function, compromised immune systems, and higher vulnerability to chronic diseases. The paper advocates for comprehensive strategies, including awareness campaigns, educational programs, and policy interventions, to improve food habits and address the nutritional challenges facing Pakistan.
_________________________Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by over 150 world leaders at the United Nations Summit in 2015, substantial progress has been made in aligning national strategies with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pakistan, as a pioneer in endorsing and integrating SDGs into its National Development Agenda, has established a comprehensive framework for implementation. Specifically, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has developed legislative, institutional, and policy mechanisms to support SDGs localization. This includes setting up an SDGs Support Unit, creating district-level localization plans, and establishing advisory committees. However, challenges persist, including gaps in data collection, limited human resource capacity, and insufficient integration of SDGs at the district level. To address these issues, improved coordination, enhanced data reporting, and better alignment of policies and investment strategies with SDG priorities are essential. Strengthening these areas will be crucial for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan to effectively achieve the 2030 Agenda.
_________________________The Committee System in parliamentary settings plays a crucial role in legislative oversight and specialized scrutiny of governmental functions. This paper examines the significance of the Committee System in the Senate of Pakistan, particularly post-constitutional amendments. It discusses how these committees enhance legislative effectiveness, scrutinize government actions, and address national challenges like inter-provincial disputes and administrative inefficiencies. The Committee System has shown improvements, with increased meetings and legislative activity. However, it identifies areas for enhancement, including streamlined procedures, improved oversight, and strengthened capacity building. The paper offers recommendations categorized into short, medium, and long-term strategies. Short-term recommendations focus on empowering committee chairs and conducting performance audits. Mid-term suggestions include revising the Rules of Business and improving digital integration. Long-term strategies propose joint parliamentary committees and leveraging international parliamentary forums for capacity building. These measures aim to optimize committee performance, engage stakeholders, and align parliamentary practices with international standards.
_________________________Recently, foreign hostile activity has morphed from conventional to irregular warfare with huge security threats of hybrid nature particularly in cyber space affecting nearly all fields of modern life of a nation or state. An analysis of foreign sponsored activities in kinetic, non-kinetic and hybrid domain including cyber space of Pakistan during last 15 years substantiates Indian support to TTP & Baloch sub nationals through use of Afghan and Iranian soil, US espionage activities by Blackwater and Dr. Shakil Afridi against Non NATO ally in context of war on terror and increasing cyber threats by Indian hacktivists and patriotic hackers as Pakistani cyber space system has several vulnerabilities. Hence, Pakistan facing such threats of modern warfare needs to work on highlighting the issue at UNO level, benefit from changing geo political dynamics by taking Afghanistan, Iran and other stakeholders on board to harness CPEC potential for comprehensive growth and particularly prepare a national response for cyber security.
_________________________The public sector is fundamental to a nation's development, with public servants playing a crucial role in delivering services, managing resources, and making impactful decisions. However, concerns about the ethical behavior of public servants have grown, leading to a loss of public trust. This research examines strategies for instilling ethics and moral principles in public officials. Findings suggest that moral education, training, and mentorship are vital in fostering ethical behavior among public workers. The study highlights the importance of leadership commitment, accountability, transparency, and institutional policies in promoting ethical conduct. Despite limitations like a small sample size and qualitative design, the research contributes to understanding factors influencing public officials' ethics. The implications are significant, offering guidance for developing training programs and policies to encourage ethical behavior, ultimately enhancing transparency and accountability in public institutions.
_________________________The provision of healthcare is essential for any society, significantly impacting the population's general wellbeing. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made considerable investments to upgrade its primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare hospitals, notably the Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH) and Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar. Despite their commonalities, these hospitals' service delivery systems differ significantly. This study aims to compare the performance of KTH and LRH by evaluating patient outcomes, wait times, service costs, patient satisfaction, and quality of care. By identifying each institution's strengths and weaknesses, the study provides insights for policymakers, healthcare managers, and stakeholders to enhance healthcare services. The findings highlight the importance of efficient fund utilization, targeted development initiatives, and robust monitoring mechanisms to foster inclusive growth and improve patient care in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's merged districts.
_________________________In 1996, the Government of Pakistan, with the World Bank’s support, initiated the Project to Improve Financial Reporting and Auditing (PIFRA) to modernize financial reporting in line with international standards. Central to this initiative was the New Accounting Model (NAM), designed to adapt to technological advancements and global best practices. This study assesses the extent of NAM's implementation under PIFRA, noting significant improvements in financial management through the SAP/ERP system in Accounts Offices. However, challenges persist due to ongoing use of legacy auditing practices, which have compromised the project's goals. Despite the move towards a modified cash basis of accounting with plans to transition to accruals, issues such as inadequate liability and asset accounting and underutilization of SAP/ERP software have affected the transparency and effectiveness of financial reporting and auditing practices.
_________________________Women's issues encompass challenges disproportionately impacting women, including discrimination, gender-based violence, unequal access to education and employment, and restricted reproductive rights. This study critically examines the legislation and institutional reforms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) aimed at promoting gender equality. A significant challenge is the weak implementation of laws due to inadequate resources, corruption, and institutional limitations. Cultural attitudes and norms perpetuate gender inequality, complicating efforts as laws fail to address root causes effectively. Institutional reforms often exclude marginalized women's perspectives, particularly those from rural and low-income backgrounds, reducing their overall effectiveness. Achieving gender equality in KP requires robust legislative and institutional reforms, along with broader societal changes, such as promoting gender sensitivity and challenging patriarchal norms. Enhanced community education and awareness raising efforts are crucial for addressing cultural attitudes and behaviors sustaining gender inequality. Strengthening implementation and improving the inclusivity of women's voices in policymaking are essential steps toward gender equality in KP.
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