The document summarizes key social protection programs in Balochistan province of Pakistan. It finds that the province lags on socio-economic indicators and has high levels of poverty and vulnerability. The main programs discussed are:
1) Social insurance programs like pensions for government employees and workers' funds that have good coverage but inadequate benefits.
2) Social assistance programs run by provincial departments and international organizations that provide some relief for disasters and support services but have low coverage and weak accountability.
3) Most programs have challenges with targeting the most in need, transparency, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Coverage of support needs to be expanded, especially in remote, conflict-affected areas.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published the first Annual Report to the People on Health in September 2010. The report’s objective was to examine critical macro-level issues related to health, in particular, the constraints faced by the government in providing universal healthcare, and the challenges in the organisation, financing and governance of health services.
The report provides information about key health indicators such as life expectancy at birth, infant mortality and maternal mortality, and explains the variation in their numbers in different states. It also provides an overview of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), which was launched in 2005 to revitalise and scale up basic health services in rural areas. Besides this, it discusses the non-availability of skilled healthcare providers and their uneven distribution across the country, and suggests remedies for this problem.
Lastly, the report lists key policy issues related to health that, according to the ministry, need to be debated widely and drafted into a new health policy. Some of these issues are increased public investment in healthcare, public-private partnerships in the health sector, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, good quality education for healthcare providers, use of modern technology and technological audits of the sector, rising out-of-pocket expenditure on drugs, reduced emphasis on preventive healthcare, limited participation of community organisations, and investment of the states in primary healthcare.
Planning in the region starts with a vision about what we want to be. It is the aspiration of the Filipinos particularly those from SOCCSKSARGEN Region to have a long-term vision for the region and the country as a whole to become a prosperous, predominantly middle class society where no one is poor. The challenge is how every Filipino can afford to have a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay by 2040.”
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published the first Annual Report to the People on Health in September 2010. The report’s objective was to examine critical macro-level issues related to health, in particular, the constraints faced by the government in providing universal healthcare, and the challenges in the organisation, financing and governance of health services.
The report provides information about key health indicators such as life expectancy at birth, infant mortality and maternal mortality, and explains the variation in their numbers in different states. It also provides an overview of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), which was launched in 2005 to revitalise and scale up basic health services in rural areas. Besides this, it discusses the non-availability of skilled healthcare providers and their uneven distribution across the country, and suggests remedies for this problem.
Lastly, the report lists key policy issues related to health that, according to the ministry, need to be debated widely and drafted into a new health policy. Some of these issues are increased public investment in healthcare, public-private partnerships in the health sector, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, good quality education for healthcare providers, use of modern technology and technological audits of the sector, rising out-of-pocket expenditure on drugs, reduced emphasis on preventive healthcare, limited participation of community organisations, and investment of the states in primary healthcare.
Planning in the region starts with a vision about what we want to be. It is the aspiration of the Filipinos particularly those from SOCCSKSARGEN Region to have a long-term vision for the region and the country as a whole to become a prosperous, predominantly middle class society where no one is poor. The challenge is how every Filipino can afford to have a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay by 2040.”
Presented at “Financial Protection and Improved Access to Health Care: Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop Finding Solutions to Common Challenges” in Accra, Ghana, February 2016. To learn more, visit: https://www.hfgproject.org/ghana-uhc-workshop
Botswana Health Accounts 2013-14: Key Findings and ImplicationsHFG Project
The Botswana 2013/14 HA exercise was conducted between July 2015 and September 2016. The study covers the 2013/14 fiscal year (1 April 2013–31 March 2014). In mid-2015, the HA team, with representation from the Government of Botswana, the Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project, and the World Health Organization (WHO), began primary and secondary data collection. Collected data were then compiled, cleaned, triangulated, and reviewed. Data were imported into the HA Production Tool (HAPT) and mapped to each of the System of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011 classifications. The results of the analysis were verified with the Health Financing Technical Working Group on 9 October 2016 and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) management on 10 October 10 2016. Participants involved in the production and validation of the results, and recommended for future HA workshops, are listed in Annex A.
Planning in the region starts with a vision about what we want to be. It is the aspiration of the Filipinos particularly those from SOCCSKSARGEN Region to have a long-term vision for the region and the country as a whole to become a prosperous, predominantly middle class society where no one is poor. The challenge is how every Filipino can afford to have a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay by 2040.”
National strategy and framework for disability inclusive development in cambodiaMohd Hasim Ujang
A full assignment paper for the subject 'Development and Public Policy' Master of Public Policy, University Malaya. The subject was taught by Dr Derrick L. Cogburn, a Visiting Associate Professor from the American University, Washington DC
Family Planning Spending in Burkina Faso (2015): How Can it Inform Policy & P...HFG Project
This brief presents select health expenditure data
derived from using the family planning guide as part of
Burkina Faso’s Health Accounts exercise, along with
how the data can help answer key policy and planning
questions related to family planning, with some
recommendations.
Presented at “Financial Protection and Improved Access to Health Care: Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop Finding Solutions to Common Challenges” in Accra, Ghana, February 2016. To learn more, visit: https://www.hfgproject.org/ghana-uhc-workshop
Presented at “Financial Protection and Improved Access to Health Care: Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop Finding Solutions to Common Challenges” in Accra, Ghana, February 2016. To learn more, visit: https://www.hfgproject.org/ghana-uhc-workshop
Botswana Health Accounts 2013-14: Key Findings and ImplicationsHFG Project
The Botswana 2013/14 HA exercise was conducted between July 2015 and September 2016. The study covers the 2013/14 fiscal year (1 April 2013–31 March 2014). In mid-2015, the HA team, with representation from the Government of Botswana, the Health Finance and Governance (HFG) project, and the World Health Organization (WHO), began primary and secondary data collection. Collected data were then compiled, cleaned, triangulated, and reviewed. Data were imported into the HA Production Tool (HAPT) and mapped to each of the System of Health Accounts (SHA) 2011 classifications. The results of the analysis were verified with the Health Financing Technical Working Group on 9 October 2016 and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) management on 10 October 10 2016. Participants involved in the production and validation of the results, and recommended for future HA workshops, are listed in Annex A.
Planning in the region starts with a vision about what we want to be. It is the aspiration of the Filipinos particularly those from SOCCSKSARGEN Region to have a long-term vision for the region and the country as a whole to become a prosperous, predominantly middle class society where no one is poor. The challenge is how every Filipino can afford to have a “matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay by 2040.”
National strategy and framework for disability inclusive development in cambodiaMohd Hasim Ujang
A full assignment paper for the subject 'Development and Public Policy' Master of Public Policy, University Malaya. The subject was taught by Dr Derrick L. Cogburn, a Visiting Associate Professor from the American University, Washington DC
Family Planning Spending in Burkina Faso (2015): How Can it Inform Policy & P...HFG Project
This brief presents select health expenditure data
derived from using the family planning guide as part of
Burkina Faso’s Health Accounts exercise, along with
how the data can help answer key policy and planning
questions related to family planning, with some
recommendations.
Presented at “Financial Protection and Improved Access to Health Care: Peer-to-Peer Learning Workshop Finding Solutions to Common Challenges” in Accra, Ghana, February 2016. To learn more, visit: https://www.hfgproject.org/ghana-uhc-workshop
Youth engagement and employment in south Asia. Also focuses on youth related sustainable development goals (SDGs).
by
Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)
The following objectives are covered by our study:
To study profile of Ghashful.
To examine the loan procurement, repayment, supervision process etc.
To find out why Micro Finance as a very successful program for rural and urban poor to their poverty alleviation.
To see actual condition of loanees before and after borrowing of money from Ghashful.
To find out the contribution of Ghashful towards alleviating poverty.
To identify the irregularities and put recommendation to overcome the problems.
critical evaluation ICDS( integrated child development services)Shameem Ganayee
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is an Indian government programme that offers a wide range of services to children under the age of 6 years, such as food, early education, primary healthcare, immunization, health control, and referral.
Children in any society constitute the most vulnerable group which needs ‘protection’ and is a responsibility of the state as well as the members of the society. Despite some commendable efforts and achievements of the Indian state, it is an explicit fact that the majority of children in India are suffering, deprived of basic resources and needs for an average human existence. Due to their own incapacity to fight for their rights, the ‘unprotected child’ in India is a collective failure of the Indian.
HAQ: Center for Child Rights
B1/2, Ground Floor,
Malviya Nagar
New Delhi - 110017
Tel: +91-26677412,26673599
Fax: +91-26674688
Website: www.haqcrc.org
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HaqCentreForChildRights
“Growth with Social Justice” has been the basic objective of the development planning in India since independence.In order to achieve these objectives,Government of India has launched several welfare schemes and programme for needy section of society. Different segment of population got benefitted by these welfare schemes, which have led to significant changes. Some of these changes are distinctly visible – especially in the economic sphere with the adoption of new technologies, diversified production, and sophisticated management. Changes have also taken place in the social sphere – with affirmative action for disadvantaged communities and with women enjoying by and large more freedoms than ever before. This seminar attempts to critically analyze the welfare efforts in India and how the changes occur over a period of time in these welfare programmes with special focus on poverty alleviation programme and women empowerment programmes.
This report sheds light on the significance of digital trade integration for Pakistan and selected
Central Asian countries including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Digital trade
integration involves regulatory structures/policy designs, digital technologies, and business
processes along the entire global/regional digital value chain. Digital trade
integration requires free cross-border movement of not only digital products, services, and
technologies but also other manufactured goods, data, capital, talent, and ideas along with the
availability of integrated physical and virtual infrastructure. Hence, digital trade integration requires
the removal of digital trade barriers as well as extensive technology, and legal and policy
coordination between member states.
Countries around the world have actively engaged in establishing new and progressive bilateral and
regional trade agreements to boost trade and economic growth. The significance of digital trade has
increased considerably after the COVID-19 pandemic. Improvement in digital connectivity, ease in
regulations, and skilled workers are key factors to facilitate trade integration and promote the
growth of the e-commerce sector. The report examines the regional trade agreements of Pakistan
and selected Central Asian countries and their relevance for digital trade integration. It also
scrutinizes the challenges faced by the public institutions of Pakistan in the implementation of digital
trade policy. Besides this, the report also observes the challenges faced by SMEs dealing with digital
trade-related products.
The findings show that Pakistan and selected Central Asian countries are at different levels of digital
adoption, including mobile connectivity index and download speed of mobile and broadband.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan have a higher export and import volume compared with other countries.
However, neither country has any major trading partner from the countries selected in this study,
which demonstrates the lack of regional cooperation and the need for regional trade agreements to
boost bilateral and regional trade.
The report discusses the e-commerce laws of Pakistan and selected Central Asian countries, whereas
domestic policies and measures to increase digital trade are also reviewed. The countries are at a
different level in terms of implementing digital trade facilitation measures. Lack of effective
enforcement of intellectual property rights, non-tariff measures, foreign investment restrictions in
digital space, data and information costs, cyber security, and tax policy and administration are all key
policy issues that influence digital trade integration.
The study offers a way forward in which action points are provided for governments, the nongovernmental
sector (notably, business associations and networks), academia and think tanks, and
development partners. #DigitalTradeIntegration
#RegionalTradeAgreements
#EconomicGrowth
#DigitalConnectivity
#EcommerceLaws
The policy brief by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) outlines the urgent need to address the high consumption of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids (iTFA) in Pakistan, which poses significant health risks, particularly in contributing to cardiovascular diseases. Despite being the second-highest per capita consumer of iTFA in the WHO-Eastern Mediterranean Region, Pakistan lacks comprehensive regulations and enforcement mechanisms to mitigate iTFA consumption effectively. The brief recommends a multi-faceted approach involving uniform standards, transparent enforcement, public awareness campaigns, capacity building for regulatory authorities, and collaboration with the food industry to promote healthier alternatives. It highlights the importance of political commitment, intersectoral collaboration, and public-private dialogue to successfully eliminate iTFA from the food supply chain and improve public health outcomes in Pakistan.
In his comprehensive analysis, Vaqar Ahmed highlights the challenges and impediments faced by Pakistan's trade and industrial policies, particularly concerning macroeconomic stability, energy shortages, rising costs, and regulatory constraints. The recent decline in the value of the Pakistani Rupee has further intensified issues for the manufacturing sector. The adverse macroeconomic conditions, including high inflation and a policy rate exceeding 20 percent, have hampered the sector's ability to secure working capital. Large firms' reluctance to operate in special economic zones due to supply-side gaps, coupled with global economic uncertainties, has delayed the next phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ends with some policy recommendations.
Creating a conducive environment for sustainable economic development, improve living standards for all citizens, and secure a brighter future for the nation.
Highlights the country's large and young labor force, with a 1.94% population growth rate and 65.5 million individuals actively seeking work according to the 2017-18 Labor Force Survey. However, the unemployment rate currently stands at 5.8%, with the highest rate (11.56%) among youth aged 20-24. In response, the government launched the Prime Minister's Kamyab Jawan Programme, allocating Rs 100 billion to support entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities for youth. This program encompasses six key initiatives, including the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme, Hunermand Pakistan Programme, Green Youth Movement, Startup Pakistan, National Internship, and Jawan Markaz. By focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, the government aims to address unemployment challenges and foster a more vibrant economy.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Policy aims to transform KP's urban centers into engines of social, economic, and cultural growth by promoting vibrant communities, sustainable practices, and economic opportunities. It focuses on inclusive development, infrastructure improvement, efficient governance, environmental protection, and cultural preservation, aiming to make cities globally competitive and provide a high quality of life for all citizens. This policy, reviewed every five years, provides a roadmap for urban development in KP, seeking to create a brighter future for its residents.
This study aims to explain the macroeconomic and welfare impacts of changes in indirect taxes brought about in response to COVID-19. We study whether the tax relief provided for in the federal budget for fiscal year 2020-21 was effective in providing relief to private enterprises and the trade sector. We also study whether production subsidies granted during the first wave of COVID-19 were effectively able to support firms in the agricultural sector. This assessment allows us to draw lessons that may be useful for designing tax benefit policies amid future waves of the pandemic or during other emergency times.
The Government of Pakistan has offered export facilitation schemes
to exporters with the objectives to lower trade costs and expand
output. Currently, nearly one dozen export facilitation schemes are
active. They also include those which are run by the Federal Board
of Revenue (FBR). The question of ‘effectiveness’ of such schemes
in boosting Pakistan’s exports has remained a consistent theme of
interest among policymakers, international development partners
and private sector. This policy brief builds on a firm-level survey,
conducted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI),
and is an attempt to understand the effectiveness, overall gains,
and shortcomings of four major export facilitation schemes offered
by the FBR, including Duty and Tax Remission for Exports (DTRE),
Manufacturing Bond (MB), Export Oriented Unit (EOU) and Export
Facilitation Scheme (EFS). The study aims to provide insights on how
best to improve design of Export Facilitation Scheme 2021, which will
absorb all other schemes by the end of 2023.
The Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan unveiled the National Tariff Policy 2019-24 (NTP 2019-
24) in November 2019. The core aims of the policy were to: i) remove tariff-related
anomalies in the short-term to lower businesses’ cost of inputs and increase their
turnover, ii) increase employment generation in the medium-term, and iii) gain
competitiveness and exports in the long-term.
After its announcement, there remains a need to analyze the effectiveness and
impact of the policy. SDPI team conducted primary research to assess the impact
of tariff policy on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the help of a firm-level
survey.
This specific survey aims to bridge the evidence gap by providing an in-depth
analysis on the NTP-2019-24 impact in terms of its three prime objectives. Besides,
the study also attempts to understand the business community’s challenges and
expectations vis-à-vis tariff-related matters.
Digital trade is increasing rapidly throughout the world whereas digital platforms and Coronavirus have further enhanced the importance of the digital economy and digital trade. Countries are focusing on promoting digital trade and integration through various measures including free trade agreements and bilateral negotiations. This study examined digital trade as defined by WTO E-commerce work and USITC. The study included the items that come under the definition of digital trade and examined the digital trade volume of Pakistan from 2010-2020 through three-step methodology. This includes the identification of digital trade items based on Harmonized System at a six-digit level, examining trade volume for digital goods, and identification of top ten export and import items along with top ten markets for digital trade. Favorable government policies and measures have helped Pakistan in promoting digital trade flows. However, there is a need to develop information and communication technology infrastructure in Pakistan to flourish trading activities. Furthermore, Pakistan has to reduce the fiscal and trade barriers such as rules and regulations for foreign investment in digital space, data and information costs, and ensure online security and data protection to promote digital trade integration.
by Asif Javed & Vaqar Ahmed
This study presents a pathway for fostering regional digital trade integration through
South-South and Triangular cooperation. Our main study goals include answering the
following questions:
» What are the challenges faced in the digital trade sector of Afghanistan, Pakistan
and Sri Lanka? How can these be overcome through various cooperative models?
» How can inclusive regional and free trade agreements help to overcome barriers
and enable digital trade integration?
» What can Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) dealing with digital trade-related
products learn from literature on South-South and Triangular cooperation?
Suggested citation:
Ahmed, V. and Javed, M. Digital Trade Integration: South-South and Triangular
Cooperation in South Asia (unpublished). South-South Idea Paper Series, United Nations
Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC),Washington D.C.New York, 2022.
Pakistan is facing numerous socioeconomic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, including on food security. Food insecurity, which is a long-standing issue, has become more visible since the pandemic. Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) partner the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) – a leading policy research thinktank – has been supporting the Government of Pakistan to maintain essential economic activity and protect workers and small producers during the pandemic. One notable contribution has been the development of a Food Security Portal, which is being used by the government to better manage food security in the country. It is the first track and trace system from farm to fork for essential food items.
URI
https://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/handle/20.500.12413/17619
Citation
Suleri, A.Q.; Ahmed, V.; Ahmad, S.M.; Shah, Q.; Zahid, J. and Gatellier, K. (2022) Strengthening Food Security in Pakistan During the Covid-19 Pandemic, Covid-19 Responses for Equity (CORE) Stories of Change, Brighton: Institute of Development Studies, DOI: 10.19088/CORE.2022.008
Political and socio-economic discussions in Pakistan’s popular discourse are often inward-looking and generally focus on the country itself, or on its relationships to its immediate neighbors (Afghanistan, India, and China). We suggest here that Pakistan is part of a global system, as well. It is influenced not just by its direct neighbors, but also by: international events (war in Ukraine is just one example); by global economic factors (e.g. oil prices, changing terms of trade, or the danger of a global recession); and by various other global governance arrangements (e.g. Financial Action Taskforce and its demands from Pakistan). At the same time, Pakistan is not insulated from the global systemic changes. The global pandemic has overwhelmed the policymakers with possibilities of future epidemics also not being ruled out. In the past migration of people, both incoming and outgoing, has impacted the social fabric.
Likewise, the country is suffering from global warming and the resulting patterns of weather and precipitation. Pakistan is also a player at the international arena and is expected to play a responsible and proactive role at various global governance forums. The speech of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan at the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2019 has indicated regarding this responsibility and highlighted Pakistan’s role in the Cold War, or the engagement of Pakistani soldiers abroad, either in the United Nations peace keeping framework, or bilaterally. While many Pakistanis are aware of some of Pakistan’s international roles and dependencies, and of Pakistan’s image abroad, there is limited discussion about the country’s global role – what it should be? Who are the internal and external actors that shape Pakistan’s role, engagement, influence, and perception abroad? What role does the state and citizens play in deciding Pakistan’s global role? These are some of the questions that our chapter authors aimed to touch upon in this book. A conscious effort has been made to reach out to Pakistanis living and working abroad. Chapters have been invited from such resource persons who are not only Pakistanis but also study Pakistan from abroad and often through various lens external to Pakistan.
Web: https://pakistan.fes.de/e/global-pakistan-pakistan%CA%BFs-role-in-the-international-system
The Covid-19 pandemic and related
restrictions have had profound
socioeconomic impacts worldwide.
Governments have been faced with
responding urgently to mitigate such
effects, especially for the most
vulnerable. Covid-19 Responses for
Equity (CORE) partner Partnership for
Economic Policy (PEP) – a Southernled
organisation which believes that
evidence produced from an in-country
perspective, by empowered and
engaged local researchers and
policymakers, results in better policy
choices – has been working closely
with policymakers in Pakistan to
assess the Covid-19 impacts and the
effectiveness of current and potential
policies. As a result, PEP has helped
introduce tax reforms for the hardest
hit, agricultural subsidies for farmers,
and the reduction of trade tariffs for
struggling businesses.
Marginalization of Researchers in the Global
South in Global, Regional, and National
Economic-Development Consulting
Authors Ramos E. Mabugu | Vaqar Ahmed | Margaret R Chitiga-Mabugu
| Kehinde O. Omotoso
Date February 2022
Working Paper 2022-05
PEP Working Paper Series
ISSN 2709-7331
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Social Protection in Balochistan
1. Social Protection in Balochistan
Policy Brief by Sustainable Development Policy Institute
12th November 2013
1
2. 1. Background
The socio-economic development in Balochistan is challenged by sparsely located
population, internal conflicts and pressures from western border neighbouring
Afghanistan.1A large part ofBalochistan is governed by tribal chiefs, making development
interventions extremely difficult and in turn posing a challenge to human development and
inclusive growth.
Balochistan province also lags behind the rest of Pakistan in almost all key socio-economic
indicators, and 16 of its 24 districts (including the RAHA2 districts Chaghi, Qila Abdulla and
QilaSaifullah) fall among the top 20 vulnerabledistricts of the country. The
multidimensional poverty indicators seen across Balochistanshow it isone of the poorest
across the globe. Furthermore, the province is also bearing the influx of Afghan refugees,
which stands around 851,000 persons.
In view of the above-mentioned challenges, Balochistan receivessupport from the federal
government. There are alsoinitiatives by the provincial government to address rising
vulnerabilities. Marred by issues related to political interference in development projects,
corruption, non-existence of effective monitoring, and lack of grievance redressal
mechanisms, the impact of these programmes on the lives of the poor remains weak.
The new provincial government, despite a deteriorated law and order situation, is moving
ahead with local body polls to strengthen democratic governance. The recent earthquake,
which particularly affected Awarandistrict and adjoining areas, has exposed gaps in service
delivery. This is partially on account of weak capacity of civil administration.
A recent study by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) conducted for United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) analyses the social protection and assistance
programmes in some targeted areas after evaluating them on pre-determined criteria. The
basic aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of these programmes and to see whether
they could be extended to RAHA areas.3
2. Social protection and assistance programmes
These programmes in Balochistan can broadly be divided into two categories, a) social
insurance programmes, and b) social assistance programmes.
This policy brief presents key findings and recommendations from the detailed study on the same subject
commissioned by UNDP Pakistan.
2 Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas.
3 The policy brief exhibits findings from the qualitative and quantitative data collected from Balochistan.
Primary data was collected from three districts ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa:Pishin, Loralai, and Chaghi.
1
2
3. Social Insurance Programmes
In total, there are four social insurance programmes. These areProvincial Government
Servants’ Pension Programmes (PGSPP), GoB4 Benevolent Fund (GBF), People’s
Representatives Programmes (PRP), and Balochistan Employees Social Security Institution
(BESSI). Among these, PGSPP and GBF are essentially for the provincial government
employees. BESSI is for the commercial and industrial employees of the private sector,
while PRP is a programme aimed for the poor.
The pension system’stargeting efficiency is satisfactory with high levels of coverage.For not
being pegged to the inflation rate, financial support provided under theprogrammehas
been termed inadequate. The grievance redressal mechanism is lengthy and slow.
GBF is a contributory fund for which mandatory deductions from the salaries of provincial
employees are madewhereasall the provincial public employees cannot claim this fund.
Under the fund, educational scholarships and marriage allowance for children of the
employees, maintenance allowance for the widows, funeral expenses of the deceased
employees, paid Hajj opportunity and farewell grants can be claimed.
The Fund has high targeting efficiency, as the service is available to all the eligible
provincial civil servants. Owingto the strict criteria for grant processing, large number of
employees cannot benefit from it. Some difficulties in access arise,as there is no announced
schedule in Department of Services and General Administration (S&GAD) to discuss and
screen applications.
During the course of our study, we found number of provincial government employees,who
were unaware of the benefits. Adequacy of support is relatively better provided one
succeeds to obtain them. Most respondents were also not aware of grievance redressal
mechanism.Public employees in the RAHA can benefit from both the pension programmes,
and the GBF. Theseprogrammes have fairly strongpotential to impactMillennium
Development Goals (MDGs) related to poverty reduction, education and health.
PRP is a social protection intervention that is managedvia grants disbursements to the
Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs).These funds are mainly utilized to benefit
individuals through the provision of productive inputs such as sewing machines, electricity
and gas meters. The fundscan also be utilized topurchase agricultural machines (tractors
and bulldozers). Prior to their initiation, all schemes are to be vetted by the Planning and
Development Department in Quetta.
PRP’s reliance on political representatives has come under question on various occasions.
There have been concerns of transparency, which have been partially addressed. Thestudy
4Government
of Balochistan.
3
4. has found this programme low in its targeting efficiency. Since the schemes initiated under
the programme are quite small, their coverage is not satisfactory and there are difficulties
in their access. There exists no clearly stipulated or documented grievance redressal
mechanism.
Under BESSIthe contributions are lower than those seen in other provinces. Employer
organizations are bound to provide BESSI a list of all secured workers. Benefits include
medical cover, provision of cash during illness; and funeral grants. Cash benefits at BESSI
include sickness, and maternity benefits; partial and total disablement pension;
disablement gratuity and a survivor’s pension.
As BESSI only targets the workers in the formal sector, the extent of programme coverage
is low. The workers from industrial sector make a very small population in Balochistan.
The BESSI only has three medical units out of which two are situated in Quetta while the
third one is in Karachi. The quality of services leaves a lot to be desired. The grievance
redressal mechanism is not easy to understand for the beneficiaries.
Contrary to PRP, BESSI has significant contribution towards the attainment of healthrelated MDGs. If industrial and commercial zones for RAHA districts are opened under the
new provincial government,BESSI benefits can be extended to these areas.
Social Assistance Programmes in Balochistan
There are three kinds of social assistance programmes in Balochistan. These programmes
are on top of the two social assistance initiatives undertaken by the World Food
Programme (WFP). The programmes run by the provincial government include Pakistan
Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Department of Social Welfare, Special Education,
Literacy and non-Formal Education. The programmes run by WFP include School Feeding
Programme, Early Recovery Programme, andProgramme for Afghan Refugees.
PDMA is responsible for the protection during natural disasters and calamities. PDMA has
been active during floods and earthquakes. In 2011 and 2012, it distributed 11,097 metric
tons of food items in affected areas. In addition, it provided blankets, tents, medicines, and
clothes. PDMA’s operations have covered 13 districts ofBalochistan.
The criterion of benefit distribution by PDMA is not clearly documented. Ease of access in
case of PDMA operations has been relatively better. The adequacy of support is satisfactory
while grievance redressal is quick and effective. Since the benefits extended are temporary,
they do not contribute to the attainment of MDGs. The interventions arealso available to
the affected people in RAHA.
The Department of Social Welfare, Special Education, Literacy and non-Formal Education is
responsible for regulation of voluntary organizations, special education and management
4
5. of rehabilitation centers for victims of abuse. The department providesDarulAman for
women, working women hostels, training centers, industrial homes, and baby day care
centers. The programme has its offices in 30 districts.
The targeting efficiency of these programmes is rather high, but coverage is low and
facilities available are not sufficient for a large part of the deserving population. Their ease
of access has been termed satisfactory. Most of the benefits are in-kind and offer support to
those, who are considered eligible. The programmesstill need to strengthen grievance
redressal mechanisms and outreach.
The WFP initiated school feeding programmein seven districts of Balochistan,
namelyQilaSaifullah, Zhob, Noshki, Chaghi, Pishin, Kharan, and Washuk. The school feeding
programmehowever,discontinued in 2012. Under early recovery programme, WFP
distributed 13,122 metric tons of food and reached out to over 362,000 households in the
province. Initial livelihood recovery activities were started in Kalat, Khuzdar, Loralai, Qila
Abdullah and Lasbela where infrastructure rehabilitation programmes such as desilting of
water courses, repair of houses, and cleaning of water ponds took place.
The school feeding programme was run in public schools, therefore, its targeting efficiency
was high. Similarly, the cash for work programme targeted the most severely affected
people in two districts making sure that all the potential beneficiaries take their due share.
Both the school feeding programme and cash for work programme had a lower coverage,
as they could not be extended to even one-third of the population.
Nevertheless, despite a lower geographic scope, the ease of access to these programmes
was satisfactory with considerable adequacy of support to the target group. One finds
grievance redressal mechanism missing. The two programmes did contribute towards the
attainment of MDG1, MDG4 and MDG5. In case these programmes are reopened, there can
be a fair expectation of extending these interventions to RAHA.
The UNHCR has also been one of the main service providers in Afghan refugee villages in
Balochistan. Presently, the agency funds 26 schools for Afghan children in different camps.
These schools are run and maintained by Save the Children Foundation. There are 16,500
children enrolled in these schools. More funds are also available forthe provision of basic
health facilities in all the refugee villages. The health facilities extended by the agency are
managed by Save the Children, American Refugee Committee and Taraqee Foundation.
Other services include tertiary care and vocational trainingfor which it organized threemonth training courses covering a range of subjects. UNHCR also provides child protection
services for those separated from their families.
The services provided by UNHCR target only those Afghan refugees havingregistration
cards, and not all the refugees can benefit from these services. The targeting efficiency of
5
6. these programmes is relatively better with a reasonable geographic coverage. However, the
scale of assistance activities has been in declinesince long. The refugees living in RAHA are
already benefiting from these services.With the exit of NATO forces from Afghanistan, there
are apprehensions of a civil war in Afghanistan that may triggergreater influx of refugees
inside Pakistan. If it happens, these programmes will bemore importantin the context of
their significant scalability.
Under the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-BalochistanInitiative in 2009, the Pakistan People’s Party
government introduced Prime Minister’s Special Initiative on Balochistan. The primary
objective of the programme was to lessenthe sense of deprivation and to confer cultural,
economic and political rights to the people of Balochistan. A number of projects started
under this initiative have linkages with the RAHA priorities. There is a strong likelihood
that the new provincial government will continue the initiative in some form.
3. Policy Options
After the 2013 general elections, there is a renewed confidence in the new provincial
government in Balochistan. The government plans to move ahead with local body polls
despite law and order challenges. The region has also suffered from natural disasters, and
the difficulties faced during the recent earthquake reflect weak capacity of the province to
deliver on poverty and human development reforms. In case of future social protection
interventions, the following policy agenda will be crucial.
Although targeting efficiency of pension and benevolent fund programmes is high,
the amount offinancial support is inadequate and not indexed to inflation rate. In
case of benevolent fund, once retired, a public employee cannot benefit from it.
Moreover, there are issues with ease of accessunder both the programmes.The
sense of deprivation should not be allowed to prevail in the presence of such
comprehensive programmes. Ease of access should be ensured through the use of egovernance tools and pensions should be revised often to enable the beneficiaries to
hedge against poverty and afford standard health and education facilities.
PRP has been a disappointment in terms of generating employability as well as
extending health and education facilities for the targeted communities. The MPAs,
instead of initiating activities that meet the communityneeds have been
reportedlyopting for activities where vested interests could be served. Such
programmes should be stopped in future. Instead, the money earmarked under the
PRP programme should be diverted towards better performing department like
social welfare and women development, or towards social assistance schemes such
as Zakat or Benazir Income Support Program (BISP).
BESSI has a limited targeting efficiency,andit only covers workers from the formal
sector and does not include employees fromagriculture and informal sectors. The
6
7. ease of access is relatively better for the beneficiaries living in Quetta and Karachi.
Others have to travel from far-flung areas to reach these cities.In order to ensure
fair distribution of its services, the BESSI should do a clear mapping of its potential
beneficiaries. Once the mapping exercise is completed, the services would be
extended to the most crowded areas that are also central to the far-flung locations.
Given the high poverty rate prevalent in the province, and its links with political
chaos, the department should be reformed to extend social services to as many
beneficiaries as possible, and that too with a decent ease of access.
Department of Social Welfare, Special Education, Literacy and Non-Formal
Educationexhibitslimited extent of programme coverage. The drug rehabilitation
centers, DarulAman for women, educational scholarships, and health facilities
provided under the programme are not enough to cater to the needs of a large and
poor population. In view of the increased NFC5 award, the funds earmarked for the
department should be significantly increased. In order to improve its targeting
efficiency, poverty score card data already available with BISP should be used.
WFP’s School Feeding Programmewas a good initiative tohelping children meet
their daily nutritional needs. The programme is now closed due to lack of funding.
This programme should be reinitiated in Balochistan, which remains food insecure.
The financial support for Afghan refugees is now declining. Geographic scope of
these programmes is low and there exists no formal grievance redressal mechanism.
As long as Afghan refugees are living in the refugee camps, this support must
continue to ensure a reasonable and decent living for them.
Going forward the efficiency of social protection in Balochistan will critically depend upon
ability to mobilize resources through development partners, raise own revenues for
developmental needs, and build robust administrative capacity that can meet the
expectations of the poor. Given the current political economy milieu in the province, the
federal government and development partners will need to engage more closely with the
new provincial administration.
5National
Finance Commission.
7