THIS is with reference to the article ‘Beasts of burden’ (March 20) which rightly asserted that the stagnant, outdated and conservative policymaking process, primarily shaped by a bureaucracy that is resistant to change, has hindered the country’s progress. The issue is not limited to the power sector alone. In fact, a closer examination of other policies, such as those related to trade, taxation and fiscal matters, reveals the same flawed approach to policymaking.
In Pakistan, our policymakers rarely conduct empirical analysis, or assess the effectiveness of specific policies or initiatives. As a result, policies often lack the direction and capacity to address critical gaps, leading to frequent shifts and inconsistencies.
It is essential to recognise that modern administrative systems, largely driven by consumers, supported by technology, automation and artificial intelligence (AI), do not operate in this way.
As such, the traditional policymaking processes, with their outdated bureaucratic practices, have become obsolete, and can no longer be sustained. Modern public policies are based on scientific principles and international best practices, with reforms shaped by comprehensive evaluations.
Unfortunately, our bureaucracy has failed to adapt to modern governance practices, remaining passive, conservative and archaic. This is evident in policies related to tax and trade where business processes remain largely unautomated and inefficient.
The recent power policy shift related to solar installations illustrates this harsh proposition. Consumers had invested in solar panels in response to the governm-ent’s nationwide campaign to promote the solar option. But the policymakers now propose adjustments.
Factually, reducing the buyback rate is unlikely to resolve the persistent issues in the power sector. The government’s justification for this abrupt policy shift, aimed at providing relief to grid consumers and reducing capacity payments, seems far-fetched, and has created market uncertainty.
The government should shift its focus to a more holistic approach for the energy sector, as seen in leading countries, rather than solely focussing on reducing the buyback rates. This can be achieved only through radical, comprehensive reforms based on a vision and long-term planning.
Focussed efforts on privatising and modernising the generation, transmission and distribution sectors, coupled with investments in smart grid technology and advanced metering systems, are essential for enhancing energy efficiency. Above all, a competent and professional workforce, tasked with ensuring efficient power generation, and a functional distribution network are essential for transforming the current energy landscape.
This transformation is only possible if our parliament, rather than the bureau-cracy, takes the lead in policy formulation. Parliament must ensure that only long-term, consistent, productive, innovative, need-based, people-centric, adaptive, problem-solving and result-oriented policies are formulated and implemented.
Shahid Ali Abbasi
Karachi
Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2025
