Development Policy Failure in Pakistan: Institutional and Governance Challenges

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This study attempts to understand the determinants of development policy failure in Pakistan through governance and institutional lenses. By adopting a framework proposed by North et al. (2009), the analysis suggests that Pakistan is a state characterised by the elite-capture of state resources, patron-client relationships, and rent-seeking obligations and objectives. However, despite these characteristics formal institutions remain intact. The study further notes that development policies fail in Pakistan because the state and society do not operate according to the principles of modern Western rational states. The study employs qualitative research tools, such as key informant interviews with the leading political experts, politicians and bureaucrats with ample experience and exposure to policy making and implementation.

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