Written by: Asif Farooqui In every society, culture and human behavior act as deep undercurrents that shape daily life, influencing personal decisions and institutional structures. In Pakistan, these cultural norms and behaviors are particularly pronounced, embedded in family dynamics and work environments, societal interactions, and governance structures. The issue of dependency—whether on family, community, or state—pervades across various spheres, creating an environment where autonomy and initiative are often sacrificed for comfort or fear of failure. This pattern of behavior reflects a deeper cultural ethos that limits personal and collective growth, restricting opportunities for innovation and self-reliance.

ASIF FAROOQUI This blog explores why Accountability Lab’s approach is critical for Pakistan’s democratic future; how citizens can contribute to post-election monitoring to improve governance, and the role of civil society, media, and academia in ensuring political accountability beyond the ballot box.

ASIF FAROOQI In Pakistan, governance and public service delivery failures are often rooted in citizens' exclusion from policy design and implementation. Citizens are not merely the recipients of services but co-creators of systems that can function effectively and sustainably. The exclusion of citizens from decision-making leads to a breakdown in public trust, as the system begins to be perceived as disconnected from the needs and realities of the population. The blog outlines the key takeaways from a recently organized workshop on Design Thinking and Problem Solving at the Balochistan Civil Services Academy, Quetta.

Written by Tirelo Makwela In May 2018, the Pakistan government passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, a comprehensive response to ensure the rights and welfare of the trans community are protected. It was hailed as a win for the transgender community but experience has shown that the law [...]

By Nida Qasim Khan The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely affected the Pakistani economy and its micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Saboor Malik said in a statement that due to the lockdown, the businesses of cottage industry, small industry and [...]

By Bakhtawar Khalid In the light of recent hoarding and price manipulation scandals, the business industry has developed a reputation for its lack of ethics. In an industry where getting ahead and making money appears to take precedence over ethical decision-making, it can be difficult to understand the importance of ethical [...]

In an era where digital transactions are becoming increasingly common, consumers should not be penalized for using banking channels or digital payment methods. Regulations must be strengthened to ensure that businesses uphold fair practices, treat consumers ethically, and provide transparent, convenient, and secure payment options.

On 30 July 2023, a suicide blast killed 46 civilians and 215 injured during the Worker’s Convention of a political party (JUI-F) at Khar (Bajaur), KPK. More than 500 supporters were gathered near a market for the rally, which was being held ahead of elections expected later this year. JUI-F Member National Assembly (MNA) Maulana Jamaluddin and Senator Abdul Rasheed were also present during the convention.

Pakistan, like other developing economies of South Asia; grapples with the persistent challenge of corruption and misgovernance, which is deeply rooted in its social and governmental fabric. The Corruption Perception Index report by Transparency International highlights the pervasiveness of corruption across all levels of society and government in Pakistan, that has plagued country’s economy with serious challenges, including surging inflation, escalating commodity prices, and notable declines in foreign reserves and investment. The report paints a bleak picture of its struggling economy, underscoring the pressing need for innovative approaches to address these critical challenges.