On Tuesday, 30^th April, 2024, Mr. Sohail Ahmad, former civil servant, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the above topic at National Institute of Management, Lahore. Firstly, he deliberated on functions of government in the modern State that include external and internal security, financial stability/regulation, criminal justice and dispute resolution system, health, education and other resources, policies, services, investment in sectors, collecting revenues, social safety net for poor etc. Then he discussed at length public policy and its framework. Public policy is the declaration of the intent of the government. He told participants that there are number of sources of policy like Constitution, fundamental rights, UN charter / conventions, international development partners, interest groups and advocacy groups etc.

2. He further elaborated policy cycle / process that includes agenda setting, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Agenda setting and formulation is done by the Federal/Provincial cabinets with the assistance of concerned ministries/divisions/departments. However, implementation is carried out by the relevant divisions/agencies.
3. Finally, he outlined various issues in policy implementation such as disconnect between makers of public policy and implementers. He told that not involving implementers in policy formulation results in unimplementable policy. Hence, role of public servants is very crucial in this regard.
4. Alluding to the ‘new public management’ he added that it entails tapping efficiencies and resources of private sector to improve public sector performance. Thus outsourcing, giving autonomy and public private partnership can assist in better implementation of public policies leading to subsequent improvement in public service delivery to the citizens.