One reason Pakistan remains underdeveloped is its failure to install a good governance system. Its low ranking on the human development index (150th out of 189 countries) and territories is due to its low ranking in the World Bank’s Government Effectiveness Country Ranking 2017 (129th out of 193 countries).
There are countries that have transformed themselves from some of the poorest to some of the wealthiest nations. South Korea is one of them. The country was far behind Pakistan in terms of socio-economic indicators in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, in terms of HDI, its ranks 22nd – 128 ranks higher than Pakistan. What is the one thing that transformed South Korea from one of Asia’s poorest countries to one of the world’s wealthiest nations? It is its achievements in governance: it ranks 33rd in 193 countries in governance effectiveness.
There is a strong correlation between good governance and sustainable development. South Korea introduced good governance before achieving the status of an industrialised nation. Sustainable development has proved an enabler for good governance. Mahathir Muhammad’s recent return to power in Malaysia shows how a developed society refuses to tolerate bad governance. The lesson for Pakistan in the Korean and Malaysian examples is clear.
What is the one thing that transformed South Korea from one of Asia’s poorest countries to one of the world’s wealthiest nations?
Governance reforms in Pakistan are as old as Pakistan itself. There were plenty of reforms in the past but all in vain as almost all of them were politically motivated. Most of those reforms aimed at shifting power from one institution or tier or level of government to another one; the saga can be developed into a script for introducing a new season of the Game of Thrones.
We must realise that good governance is not about power; rather, it is about globally proven principles. The PTI administration has spoken highly of governance reforms but it has yet to embark on that path. Its track record reveals that it is also interested more in apportioning power than introducing genuine governance. The government must realise that governance has to have the elements of effectiveness, accountability and inclusiveness.
The effectiveness principle is key to installing a system of governance that is competent, is effective in terms of policy-making, and believes in collaboration. Our prevailing governance system falls short in all the three basics of effective governance. Human resource management, leadership development, performance and financial management and revenue administration systems of our public sector do not match the demands of good governance. A look at policy and regulatory regime reveals a lack of coherence and objectivity in the policymaking processes.
Accountability is another important element of good governance. It requires transparency, integrity and independent oversight. Strategies such as disclosure of information, budget transparency and open government data can improve transparency. Independent oversight can be strengthened through promotion of the independence of regulatory agencies, arrangements for review of administrative decisions by courts and other bodies, independent audit, and respect for legality.
Inclusiveness has become a prerequisite for all forms of governments. Participation, non-discrimination and leaving no one behind are the norms that modern governments have to follow. The government ought to promote free and fair elections, participatory budgeting and community-driven development to improve participation. Promotion of social equity and equitable fiscal and monetary policy can ensure that no one is left behind.
If the government is interested in introducing genuine governance reforms, it must realise that governance is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a means to an end: sustainable development through systemic change.
The writer is a public social policy and development analyst from Balochistan