Governance & Public Policy

Governance and public policy as set out in the CSS syllabus: concepts and theories of governance, governance indicators, Pakistan's policy and planning institutions, accountability, bureaucracy, the policy process, multi-level governance, federalism and decentralization, the role of citizens, and good governance in Islam.

I. Basic concepts of governance

Origin and definitions of governance and good governance, its eight characteristics, and the collapse or failure of governance.

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II. Governance theories

Communitarianism, decentered theory, libertarian socialism, institutionalism, Marxism, neoliberalism, rational choice and regulation theory.

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III. Governance indicators

The World Bank's six governance indicators and other international frameworks, explained and applied to Pakistan.

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IV. Public policy & planning institutions

ECNEC, the ECC, the Federal Cabinet, the Planning Commission and other bodies; strategic planning; donors; and policy in health and education.

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V. Accountability

Concepts and types of accountability, and Pakistan's national strategies against corruption.

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VI. Bureaucracy

The concept and theories of bureaucracy, its role in Pakistan, and public administration and codes of ethics.

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VII. Policy formulation & implementation

How policies are made, implemented, analysed and evaluated, and the role of the bureaucracy.

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VIII. Multi-level governance in Pakistan

The legislature, judiciary, key offices of state, secretariats and the local government system.

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IX. Federalism, devolution & decentralization

Federal participation, the principle of subsidiarity, and Kerala's decentralization model.

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X. Role of citizens in governance

How citizens shape and monitor governance, from voting to social accountability.

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XI. Good governance in Islam

Quranic guidance on governance and its application in the Sunnah, the rightly guided caliphate and Islamic jurisprudence.

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