Pakistan, since its independence in 1947, had to face tumultuous years for the first four decades. Despite the many challenges, both internal and external, the country was able to register a 6 per cent average annual growth rate during the first forty years of its existence. The country was ahead of India and Bangladesh in all economic and social indicators. Since 1990, the country has fallen behind its neighbouring countries and has had a decline in the growth rate. This book attempts to examine the reasons behind this slowdown, the volatile and inequitable growth of the last twenty-five years, and through a process of theoretical and empirical evidence argues that the most powerful explanatory hypothesis lies in the decay of institutions of governance. It also suggests a selective and incremental approach of restructuring some key public institutions that pertain to accountability, transparency, security, economic growth, and equity.

Pakistan, after fifty eight years of existence, was faced with a governance crisis. Certain significant political and economic developments in the international environment were having a profound impact on the country. Pakistan was faced with complex and daunting challenges threatening its stability. These challenges were: regional dynamics after the launch of the 'Global War on Terrorism' by the USA; democratisation, the universal quest for re-inventing government, the apparent triumph of capitalism, and the paradigm shift towards sustainable development. This book presents political, economic, legal and public issues during the reformation era of Pakistan's decentralising government.

Providing a non-technical understanding of weak economic growth and performance of the public sector in Pakistan relative to that of peer countries, this book serves as an interesting introduction to policymakers, journ alists, and civil society organizations interested in carrying out research and advocacy work towards improving economic governance in the country. Delving one step ahead from recent literature on Pakistan's economy, the author focuses on why reform of institutions dealing with economic policy regulation and management is imperative, while simultaneously identifying pending structural reforms that Pakistan's economy could pursue for inclusive growth and social justice. Exploring the fragmented structure of tax revenue mobilization, public expenditure management, energy governance, trade and transit framework, and the labour market, this book serves as an important resource for readers wishing to have an understanding of economic challenges and reform options.

Going for Growth 2021 identifies country-specific structural policy priorities for the recovery across OECD and key non-member countries (Argentina, Brazil, The People’s Republic of China, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia and South Africa). It frames the main policy challenges of the current juncture along three main areas: building resilience; facilitating reallocation and boosting productivity growth for all; and supporting people in transition.

Going for Growth is the OECD’s regular report on structural reforms in policy areas that have been identified as priorities to boost incomes in OECD and selected non-OECD countries (Argentina, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, the Russian Federation and South Africa). Policy priorities are updated every two years and presented in a full report, which includes individual country notes with detailed policy recommendations to address the priorities as well as a follow-up on actions taken. The next full report will be published in 2019. The interim report takes stock of the actions taken by governments over the past year in the policy areas identified as priorities for growth. This stocktaking is supported by internationally comparable indicators that enable countries to assess their economic performance and structural policies in a wide range of areas.

Across the OECD, governments are seeking to undertake structural reforms to strengthen their economic growth. Based on a broad set of indicators of structural policies and performance, Going for Growth 2007 takes stock of the recent progress made in implementing policy reforms and identifies, for each OECD country, five policy priorities to lift growth. It calls for reforms in areas such as product and labour market regulation, taxation, pension, income support, health and education to boost labour productivity and employment. The set of internationally comparable indicators provided here enables countries to assess their economic performance and structural policies in a broad range of areas. The publication puts together the knowledge accumulated at the OECD in these various fields. In addition, this issue contains four analytical chapters covering: The employment effects of policies and institutions Product market regulation and productivity convergence Policies to strengthen competition in product markets Factors shaping the implementation of structural reform