IPS advisory council calls for stronger institutions, better governance

Mettis Global reported that Pakistan's ability to meet its challenges depends on sturdier institutions and sound governance, as argued at the annual meeting of the National Advisory Council of the Institute of Policy Studies. Chaired by Khalid Rahman, the IPS chairman, the session drew scholars, diplomats and former officials. The discussion also provided input to the institute's research agenda.

On governance, participants held that creating new provinces or redrawing administrative boundaries would not resolve the problems. They called for decision-making nearer to people, building up local and metropolitan bodies, and cutting political interference. Charter cities were raised as a possible response to rapid urbanisation, subject to political will and suitable institutional arrangements.

Agriculture, nutrition and technology were also covered. Speakers pointed to reliance on edible oil imports and urged better water and irrigation management, farmer support and action against smuggling. On artificial intelligence, they wanted a national roadmap, stronger data systems and affordable computing. Shipping was described as having a limited domestic role, prompting calls to build national and private-sector capacity and renew the national shipping policy.