PUBLIC POLICY MAKING IN PAKISTAN
PUBLIC POLICY
Policy has been defined as a set of decision taken by a political leader or group (commanding authority of implementation) concerning the selection of goals and the methods of attaining them within a specified situation. Frequently-cited definition of “policy” is given by political scientist Carl J. Fredrick who regards policy as a proposed course of action of a persons, group, or government within a given environment providing obstacles and opportunities which the policy was proposed to overcome and utilize in an effort to reach a goal or realize an objective or a purpose.1 On the other hand, the simplest definition of “public policy” is whatever government chooses to do or not to do.2 Public Policies are policies developed by governmental bodies and officials. Non-governmental actors and factors may influence policy development but they cannot formulate public policies. Policy is interpreted and implemented by public and private actors.
Public policy, like a complex decision may be compared to a great river, drawing from its many tributaries, the innumerable component parts of which it is constituted3. The success of a policy may often hinge upon the administrative implications involved, and the capability of the administrative machinery and personnel. Public policy involves a large number of persons and institutions- ministers, public servants, parliamentarians, politicians, interest and pressure groups, professionals and experts, foreign countries and their interests’ etc. The formulation and implementation of public policy is the prime task of the executive branch of the state (government).4 The electoral system provides the citizens with representatives and they create an executive to rule and make policy.5 Notwithstanding the primary of the executive branch in policy making, the significance of the legislative branch cannot be ignored in public policy.
PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC POLICY IN PAKISTAN
The “Principles of Policy” contained in Chapter
Policy has been defined as a set of decision taken by a political leader or group (commanding authority of implementation) concerning the selection of goals and the methods of attaining them within a specified situation. Frequently-cited definition of “policy” is given by political scientist Carl J. Fredrick who regards policy as a proposed course of action of a persons, group, or government within a given environment providing obstacles and opportunities which the policy was proposed to overcome and utilize in an effort to reach a goal or realize an objective or a purpose.1 On the other hand, the simplest definition of “public policy” is whatever government chooses to do or not to do.2 Public Policies are policies developed by governmental bodies and officials. Non-governmental actors and factors may influence policy development but they cannot formulate public policies. Policy is interpreted and implemented by public and private actors.
Public policy, like a complex decision may be compared to a great river, drawing from its many tributaries, the innumerable component parts of which it is constituted3. The success of a policy may often hinge upon the administrative implications involved, and the capability of the administrative machinery and personnel. Public policy involves a large number of persons and institutions- ministers, public servants, parliamentarians, politicians, interest and pressure groups, professionals and experts, foreign countries and their interests’ etc. The formulation and implementation of public policy is the prime task of the executive branch of the state (government).4 The electoral system provides the citizens with representatives and they create an executive to rule and make policy.5 Notwithstanding the primary of the executive branch in policy making, the significance of the legislative branch cannot be ignored in public policy.
PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC POLICY IN PAKISTAN
The “Principles of Policy” contained in Chapter
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