The National Learning Event on “Reforming Governance Post-18th Amendment: Lessons Learnt and the Path Forward” opened at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad, bringing together prominent figures from government, academia, and the international development sector. Hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) in partnership with Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and other development partners, the conference reflects on progress with governance reforms post 18th Amendment, and reform priorities for the future.The event opened with addresses from Jane Marriott CMG OBE, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, MujibSadozai, Director of the Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme, and by SardarAwais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Power. In her opening remarks, Jane Marriott highlighted the importance of “Accountable, Capable and Inclusive Governance”, and UK’s longstanding support for Pakistan’s governance journey. She noted that “Decentralised governance has the potential to drive sustainable development, and we are committed to assisting Pakistan in achieving resilient and inclusive reforms.”
Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Federal Minister for Power, expressed gratitude for the event and the role of the UK as a development partner.
He emphasized the importance of increased fiscal space to ease economic pressures, particularly in the power sector where fiscal constraints limit government’s ability to invest and provide benefits to consumers.
