ASSESSING THE NEED FOR NATIONAL SOCIAL POLICY: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

This research analyses the need for conceptualising a National Social Policy (NSP) in Pakistan through the lens of community service delivery by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Despite constitutional commitments to social welfare, Pakistan’s fragmented institutional framework and weak policy coordination have resulted in inequitable and inefficient service delivery. NGOs have emerged as critical actors in bridging these gaps, providing essential services in healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief. However, their contributions often occur in isolation from state mechanisms, leading to duplication, limited sustainability, and uneven coverage. Drawing upon Social Capital Theory, the study analyses how trust, networks, and reciprocity enable NGOs to mobilize communities, enhance participation, and extend welfare reach in contexts of limited state capacity. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with government officials, policymakers, and NGO leaders to explore existing challenges, coordination deficits, and opportunities for policy integration. Thematic analysis revealed four core issues: fragmented welfare systems, community trust as a driver of service delivery, weak data and accountability mechanisms, and the urgent need for a unified policy framework. Findings underscore that a National Social Policy could institutionalize NGO–state collaboration, harmonize welfare schemes, and promote inclusive, sustainable development. The study concludes that integrating NGO-led initiatives within a coherent NSP would not only strengthen social governance and accountability but also transform Pakistan’s welfare landscape from fragmented relief measures to coordinated, rights-based social protection. By embedding social capital into policy design, the research offers a framework for equitable and resilient social development in Pakistan