Pakistan Governance came under discussion at a public debate organised by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR), where political leaders, policymakers and analysts called for institutional reforms, greater accountability and governance systems that respond more effectively to citizens’ needs.
The debate, titled “Rethinking Governance in Pakistan,” was held at a local hotel in Karachi and brought together prominent political figures, parliamentarians, academics, policymakers and analysts. Participants examined the institutional, political and administrative challenges affecting governance in the country.
Speakers stressed the need to reassess existing governance structures. They also called for stronger institutions, improved coordination between the federal and provincial governments, greater transparency and accountability, and more effective public service delivery.
Call for citizen-centred policies
Renowned philanthropist and KCFR Chair Nadira Panjwani highlighted the importance of institutional accountability, sustainable development and human-centred policymaking.
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She said governance should not be viewed merely as an administrative exercise but as a moral responsibility towards the welfare and dignity of every citizen.
Meanwhile, distinguished analyst and host of Global Sach, Dr Nasir Baig, focused on structural trust, social and digital transformation, and the empowerment of ordinary citizens.
He said Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in the resilience and hard work of its people. However, he stressed that meaningful governance reforms require genuine and selfless intentions rather than short-term political calculations.
Dr Baig also cautioned against making structural decisions without considering the country’s changing requirements and long-term needs.
Political and administrative reforms discussed
Former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail discussed the structural challenges facing effective public administration. He called for political reforms and greater fiscal decentralisation.
He also highlighted the limited powers available to Karachi’s local government compared with major cities elsewhere in the world and stressed the importance of stronger accountability at senior administrative levels.
Dr Farooq Sattar said Pakistan’s nearly 80-year journey had reached a stage where long-delayed structural reforms could no longer be ignored.
He called for a more participatory democratic system and argued that Pakistan’s growing population had outpaced the level of representation offered by existing elected institutions.
Dr Sattar also highlighted Karachi’s significant untapped economic potential and described the current period as an important opportunity to strengthen investor confidence and promote economic growth.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi calls for reform
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi presented his views on Pakistan’s political and administrative challenges, with particular emphasis on institutional reform, democratic governance, public service delivery and accountability.
He also raised concerns about Pakistan’s neonatal mortality rate and called for stronger implementation of the rule of law alongside meaningful institutional reforms.
The discussion reflected broad agreement among participants that improving Pakistan’s governance requires long-term reforms rather than short-term measures.
Diplomats and students attend event
The seminar was attended by prominent political and diplomatic figures, including foreign delegates and representatives from Russia and the United States, as well as the Consul General of Bangladesh.
A special group photograph was also held with students from the Ida Rieu Welfare Association, an institution serving visually impaired and deaf individuals.
Members of KCFR’s Board of Governors later joined the speakers for a group photograph. KCFR Chair Nadira Panjwani also presented mementos to Dr Nasir Baig, Imran Ismail, Dr Farooq Sattar and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
The debate concluded with a renewed call for stronger institutions, accountable leadership and reforms designed to make Pakistan’s governance system more transparent, participatory and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
