Introduction

The National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore, founded on March 15, 2005, under the NSPP Ordinance of 2002, stands as Pakistan’s premier institution for civil service training, research, and development. This distinguished institution, with its notable units—the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) (located in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Islamabad, and Quetta), the Executive Development Institute (EDI), and the Pakistan Administrative Staff College (PASC)—is a cornerstone in the professional growth of civil servants. NSPP also houses the National Institute of Public Policy (NIPP), a dedicated research wing aimed at becoming a think tank for senior leaders in both the public and private sectors, addressing complex public policy challenges with the depth required by such roles. Civil servants, from mid-level management to the highest ranks, progress through NSPP’s rigorous, three-tier training programs, which include the 14-week Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC), the 16-week Senior Management Course (SMC), and the 18-week National Management Course (NMC). These programs span from Basic Scale-18 officers to Basic Scale-20, preparing them to meet the challenges of high-level policy-making. The courses utilize advanced methodologies, including comprehensive training modules, public policy simulation exercises, research projects, and intensive policy dialogues conducted by renowned experts from academia and industry. Through this approach, the NSPP equips Pakistan’s civil servants with the skills and insights required for effective governance and leadership.