Growth linked to good governance

LAHORE
The country is lagging behind in good governance due to which people’s problems are not being resolved while nepotism is growing and merit eliminating.
These views were expressed by the experts at Jang Economic Session on ‘how to improve governance in accordance with the economic growth requirements’, here on Wednesday. The panelists were Dr Salman Shah, Sheikh Arshad, Dr Yasir Mehmood, Farooq Tariq, and Rukhsana Zafar while the session was hosted by Sikindar Lodhi.
Dr Salman Shah said economic revival and welfare is dependent on good governance for which reforms are required. He said poverty is growing due to unemployment. He said the government should set targets for economic growth.
He said civil service-structure is paralysed due to elimination of merit which has increased nepotism. He said that incompetent people are deputed everywhere due to which problems are growing. He said the trend of Madrassa’s education is growing.
Sheikh Arshad said governance is crucial for economic growth and prosperity is only possible with merit system. He said political affiliation of public sector institutions’ heads is affecting performance while PPRA rules being ignored. He said ad hoc-ism should be ended and a comprehensive strategy should be evolved.
Dr Yasir Mehmood said public problems are growing due to bad governance which is badly affecting economy. He said competent people were not being hired in public sector institutions. He said right person for right job formula should be adopted for economic growth.
Farooq Tariq said economic growth and governance is correlated while Pakistan lagging behind in both. He said 61 percent population living below the poverty line and public problems are growing. He said all political parties should stop excessive spending on electioneering and focus on public issues. He said feudalism is reason for Balochistan poverty and good governance is required to change the culture.
Rukhsana Zafar said the government neglected the rural population which was not getting basic needs. She said both rural and urban development should equally be focused on economic growth of the country.