GIVEN the results of studies in recent years, it is unusual that a private research organisation now places Punjab behind the other three provinces.

But then, it is about the working of the provincial legislatures and the Punjab Assembly has never been a priority with Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He has always tried to avoid getting bogged down in work inside the house when real action awaited him outside.

According to the study conducted by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have shown greater will than Punjab to follow the broad principles of involving the assemblies in meaningful activity since the last general election.

The key indicators that were looked at included: lawmaking, formation of standing committees, time spent in sessions (particularly on crucial budget discussions), attendance of leaders of the treasury and opposition, punctuality, etc. Under most heads, Punjab did worse than the other provinces, reconfirming the style of governance long preferred by Mr Shahbaz Sharif and the need for correction here — but without really providing those who have fared better in this case any great cause for celebration.

The best formula is one that allows every arm of the system to work at its most efficient. Not only could all four provinces of the country do better on the legislative front, some complementary action by the other components that make up the system could have brought better all-round results for the people.

It can be argued that, in comparison to Punjab, the study brings out a tendency of some not very efficient governments to try and hide behind the grand façade of a provincial assembly. In a nutshell, all these assemblies and governments are still in the early stages of striking the right balance for smoother functioning of the system to the people’s advantage.

For Punjab specifically, it is yet another reminder about a much-needed shift that allows broadening of the power base, delegation of responsibilities and consultation with people through their representatives.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2014