Islamabad: The National Learning Event on “Reforming Governance Post-18th Amendment: Lessons Learnt and the Path Forward” commenced at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, uniting key figures from government, academia, and the international development sector. Hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and other development partners, the conference aims to reflect on progress with governance reforms following the 18th Amendment and to set reform priorities for the future.
According to Press Information Department, the event was inaugurated with speeches from Jane Marriott CMG OBE, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mujib Sadozai, Director of the Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme, and Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Power. Jane Marriott emphasized the importance of “Accountable, Capable and Inclusive Governance” and highlighted the UK’s continued support for Pakistan’s governance journey. She remarked on the potential of decentralized governance to drive sustainable development and reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in achieving resilient and inclusive reforms.
Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari expressed gratitude for the support of the UK as a development partner. He stressed the importance of increased fiscal space to mitigate economic pressures, particularly in the power sector where fiscal constraints hinder the government’s ability to invest and provide consumer benefits. The Minister also highlighted the need for reforms in social protection systems to enhance transparency and inclusion, as well as the necessity to strengthen local government structures. He pointed out the challenges posed by Pakistan’s rapid population growth and the need for preventive healthcare measures.
The initial session of the conference, “Enhancing Fiscal Space,” was chaired by Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State for Finance, Revenue and Power. It focused on strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s financial foundations and included presentations from various experts who discussed sustainable policies to enhance fiscal space through revenue generation and improved expenditure management at both federal and provincial levels.
The afternoon session, “Reforming Public Financial Management,” examined strategies to reinforce public financial management systems. Chaired by Mark Henstridge, CEO of OPM, the session featured insights on policy reforms from notable figures in the field and emphasized the importance of strengthening financial management systems.
Concluding the first day, the session “Strengthening Social Protection” concentrated on enhancing Pakistan’s social safety net programs to alleviate poverty and inequality. Led by Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme, the session highlighted the need for federal and provincial collaboration to ensure more inclusive social welfare policies.
Day 1 of the conference provided valuable insights into governance reforms necessary to tackle the development challenges facing Pakistan, focusing on increasing fiscal space, strengthening public financial management, and providing targeted social protection. The second day will continue with sessions on local government reform, development planning, and public sector performance.