Journal of Public Policy Practitioners

Food Security: A Critical Analysis of Wheat Procurement, Transportation, and Storage Challenges in Punjab, Pakistan

Munib-ur-Rehman — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to analyze food insecurity in Pakistan, with a specific focus on wheat crop within the Punjab province. It investigates the key issues, their causes, and proposes potential solutions to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of wheat procurement, transportation, and storage systems in Punjab. The study employed a mixed-methods approach incorporating field observation, data analysis, and questionnaires administered to district food controllers regarding the smuggling of wheat crop. Wheat procurement by the Punjab government was thoroughly analyzed and an overview of the wheat value chain is presented based on interviews with key informers, site visits, and observation. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate the viability of implementing grain storage silos in Punjab. The project is financially viable with a payback period of 5-6 years. Moreover, a survey of field officers was carried out to determine the scope and the determinants of wheat smuggling from Punjab. The findings of this research provide valuable information to policymakers, government agencies, and stakeholders in designing effective interventions to enhance food security and to address the specific challenges faced in the wheat sector of Punjab, Pakistan.

Strategies for Enhancing Food Safety-A Policy Appraisal in Punjab, Pakistan

Ghulam Mustafa Dogar, Shazia Yaqoob — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Ensuring the security and safety of the food supply across Pakistan is a complex challenge that demands continual evaluation as well as robust policy responses. This policy paper outlines a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges to enhance food safety across the province of Punjab, Pakistan. In this regard, this research takes into account a number of factors, such as international cooperation, technological developments, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder roles. It also explores the dynamic nature of food safety risks, highlighting the necessity for proactive and adaptable policies to counter new hazards. A complex web of interrelated factors, from farming and food processing methods to factors impacting food distribution and consumption, define the comprehensive landscape of food safety. Regulatory frameworks are essential for reducing risks at every stage of this spectrum. This paper assesses the efficacy of the regulatory body, that is, Punjab Food Authority, in ensuring the safety of the food through an examination of its inspection procedures. This also involves a review of the current working of this authority, aiming to identify gaps for future improvements.

A Critical Analysis of Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Laws in Pakistan: Policy Recommendations

Rehan Akram — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This policy paper attempts to gauge the effectiveness of anti-corruption laws in Pakistan designed to address the menace of corruption. For this purpose, the challan and conviction data of NAB, FIA, and ACE (Punjab) over the past few years has been analyzed. It has been observed that the change in NAB law in 2021 and 2022 had a significantly negative impact on both the number of challans / references filed by NAB and conviction ratios. The analysis of the amended NAB law shows its inherent deficiencies in addressing the offenses related to assets beyond means and misuse of authority. Furthermore, the predominant law of both FIA and ACE – Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 – is unable to deal with the complexities of the 21st century, thus significantly impacting the conviction ratios of these agencies. It is also discussed that the countries with very low CPI, such as Singapore, have a broad perspective regarding the definition of corruption which is lacking in our national anti-corruption legal framework. The policy paper also discusses the preventive approach of Hong Kong to combat corruption, both, at legislative and strategic levels. Based on analysis and discussion, this research recommends necessary rectifications in the anti-corruption legal framework of the country to make it effective in curbing the prevalence of corruption in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Struggle for Regional Economic Dominance: Analyzing Failures and Proposing Essential Policy Interventions

Muhammad Umair — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This policy paper is an inquisitive effort from a vantage point which aims to explore Pakistan’s economic prospects and identifies the key systemic issue of governance that has hampered Pakistan’s potential for regional economic dominance and requires intervention on priority. This paper underscores the critical role of system theory in policymaking, particularly when paralysis ensues due to intricate issues within the public sector. It advocates for a strategic approach by identifying key intervention areas and emphasizes the importance of adhering to broader governance principles within one's sphere of influence. Additionally, it subtly touches upon the impact of foreign aid and political instability on economic growth. Through survey, statistics and literature review, this research narrows down the interventions necessary to navigate the challenging public policy regime in order to meet the objective of regional economic prosperity. It inspires the policymakers to contribute through the economic prism in their own area of influence for sustainable economic growth, instead of being trapped into inculpation.

Broadening of Tax Base: Policy Challenges and the Way Forward

Attiya Ammar — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The developmental process in Pakistan has been hindered due to the large informal economy and insufficient tax compliance. Successive governments have failed to change the mindset due to flawed policies, administrative constraints, and rambling corruption. The gap in tax revenue is due to tax evasion and avoidance practices. The economy is constrained by individuals who fiddle with policies that affect both the society and the state. The core issues have been delineated along with the potential results. Qualitative research method has been employed to analyze the performance, challenges, and prospects of broadening the tax base. The findings of the study portray that although the implementation of tax policy aimed to broaden the tax base has improved considerably, however, simplifying tax codes and making them clearer can improve compliance, reduce errors, and make the system fairer. This can be achieved by minimizing exemptions, deductions, and loopholes. This policy could prove beneficial for stakeholders, particularly the policymakers, to formulate the future tax policy and strategies in order to obtain maximum tax revenue.

Violence against Women: An Analysis of the Infirmed Legal System of Pakistan

Marriyam Siddique, Syed Sibtain Hussain Shah — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In Pakistan, a woman's life is governed by the rigid norms of her extended family, faith, and tribal community. This paper aims to investigate the philosophy behind gender-based violence, particularly the violence against women and its related customary practices in different areas in Pakistan, in the backdrop of the infirmed legal system of the country. The authors employ descriptive method to scientifically address the concerned issue. The theory of social change, which broadly focuses on the problem, is additionally significant to probe the violence against women in Pakistan. Throughout the country, women are subjected to a wide range of detrimental customs, including forced marriages, religious conversions, and the exchange of women in marriage without their consent. This study looks into why gender-based violence persists in Pakistan, despite the establishment of the state in the name of Islam, a religion that emphasizes women’s equality and respect in the society. By examining all relevant aspects, the study concludes that customary laws are dominant over state legislation in protecting women from violence. The study determines that Pakistan's legal system is flawed, with significant gaps that must be filled by well-structured legislation to ensure women's safety from abuse.