PAKISTAN’S Fiscal constraints, geopolitical realities, climate vulnerability and the demands of a mushrooming population require – besides other – a government that is agile, coordinated and focused relentlessly on results. Every government pledges reform. Few ask the more fundamental question: Does Pakistan have fit for purpose fundamental governance structure? If non-partisan persons of thoughts are the respondents, the answer is a clear “No”. Our challenges are manifold but should it stop us from taking the right step? We always mourn about economy, resources, conflicts and fears of unknown origin but have we ever thought in all fairness, how have we used the available resources optimally and cost effectively? Not the economy per se but our fear to jumpstart is the main obstacle. Just a case in point is the federal government structure.

The federal cabinet has steadily expanded over the years. Ministries with overlapping mandates frequently operate independently, often pursuing parallel policies with little institutional coordination. Planning develops long-term strategies while Commerce promotes exports and Industries designs industrial policy. Health addresses disease, Education develops human capital, Social Protection combats poverty and Skills Development focuses on employment, yet all pursue the same national objective: improving human development.

Similarly, Energy, Petroleum and Water Resources are managed through separate bureaucratic channels despite their deep interdependence. The list is long. This fragmentation produces four major consequences. First, policy duplication wastes scarce public resources. Second, coordination gaps........

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