Opportunities and Challenges in Achieving SDG 16 in Pakistan: A Comparative Perspective

The chapter aims to provide a broader overview of the progress of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) in Pakistan by using qualitative research methods and analyzing documents and secondary data. It discusses the administrative mechanisms and policy tools used to achieve SDGs in general, specifically SDG 16 in Pakistan, and compares them to those of other South Asian countries. The chapter will also integrate relevant development theories of the takeoff stage in Rostow’s Economic Development Theory and the theory of developmental state in the context of SDGs in Pakistan, identify hurdles or impediments to achieving SDG 16, and provide suggestions in light of indicators of SDG 16 to overcome them and accelerate the process of achieving SDG 16. It was found after carrying out secondary data research that Pakistan has taken several measures directly proportional to achieving SDG 16, like policies in the arena of e-governance, police reforms, protection of women, and various other programs like the Benazir Income Support Program to promote equality, provincial autonomy through the 18th Amendment, and peace maintenance efforts amidst the political, administrative, and cultural challenges. Suggestions proposed through this chapter include inclusive policymaking and the effective role of various institutions like the civil service, media, the National Accountability Bureau, and local government, among many others. Data on the SDG 16 indicators achieved by South Asian courtiers has been compared to sort out the areas that need work to be done to achieve SDG 16.