On Tuesday, 19^th September, 2023, National Institute of Management, Lahore arranged a lecture discussion with Dr. Muhammad Jamil Afaqi, Dean National Management College, on “Framework of Public Policy” for the participants of 38^th MCMC. The speaker laid out the concept of moving from an operational perspective to a policy perspective. This was explained through polygons with sharp edges which gradually became more rounded as more sides were added. Through the addition of dimensions, it evolved into a circle or more rounded perspective. It was elaborated that civil servants initially occupy operational positions in their careers which can have a direct impact on citizens, however, jurisdiction is limited. Over time, varied experiences, broader horizon, multiple dimensions result in a more rounded perspective. The participants were currently at a stage in their careers where the relation with ground realities was still intact while they were also holding a degree of sway over policy making. This is considered the ‘Balcony View’; the person is part of the practical reality while also possessing a holistic and wider view of the matter.

The honorable guest speaker emphasized that the policy making level has multiple dimensions. The ever-increasing socioeconomic factors including variables, need to be considered while formulating policy. He sensitized the participants that policy makers should try to maximize the return on a public asset by improving the quality of service and the number of beneficiaries on the analogy of private managers who try to maximize return on the investment of a firm.