Recommendations to refocus the Planning Commission’s structure and functions

This paper considers the key problems confronting the Pakistan Planning Commission, briefly examines the essentials of planning for a mixed economy, draws lessons from the experience of countries, both developed and developing, that have formulated and implemented successful plans, and suggests measures to revitalize the Planning Commission. Some suggestions are put forward for continuous upgrading of the institution’s skills in the longer run. The paper also describes ways in which policymakers can learn from their counterparts in successful countries in the region.