The following recommendations would strengthen governance in Pakistan by focusing on capacity building, economic stability, policy continuity, transparency, accountability, and decentralisation, paving the way for more effective and responsive administration:
o Implement a targeted capacity-building programme for public officials, with a focus on specialised training for sensitive roles. Link career advancement opportunities to educational achievements and successful policy outcomes to incentivise skill development.
o Address Balance of Payments (BoP) issues through structural economic reforms. Prioritise attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and subsequently implement fair and effective taxation policies to harness organic revenue for sustainable development.
o Create a ‘Charter of Economy’ to ensure policy continuity, either as an independent agreement or integrated into the constitution. This would promote stable governance structures and facilitate long-term strategic decision-making.
o Implement rigorous measures to enhance transparency and accountability in public service. This can involve establishing independent oversight bodies and utilising technology for monitoring and reporting on government activities and expenditures.
o Encourage decentralised governance models to empower local governments. This approach can improve responsiveness to local needs, enhance service delivery efficiency, and foster community participation in governance processes.