Team Details:

Principal Investigator
Dr. Alvina Sabah Idrees
Assistant Professor
GC University Lahore

Co-PI
Dr. Saima Sawar
Associate Professor
GC University Lahore

Project Brief:

A strong community develops when there is high civic engagement, which is closely linked to social capital. Furthermore, social capital is influenced not only by history and culture but also by the political and institutional environment. This study will evaluate citizens’ perceptions of politics, governance quality, and the responsibilities of the state, as well as how these perceptions impact their civic engagement—both formal and informal—and their commitment to policy compliance. We will assess the roles and responsibilities of both society and the state through data-driven analysis of social, political, and economic values as seen by the citizens of Pakistan within the context of social capital. The study aims to determine whether Pakistani citizens view state policies as exclusive and driven by elite interests, and how this perception affects the overall legitimacy of state policies, governance, and the political environment in the country. To achieve this, we will use a mixed-methods approach that includes population-level microdata and aggregate indicators related to governance, socioeconomic conditions, and macroeconomic variables.

Public Policy Relevance:

This research can yield valuable insights for governance reforms in Pakistan. By promoting citizenship and encouraging policy compliance, we can design more effective and sustainable governance outcomes. Achieving this necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the social realities identified by Pakistani citizens. The study aims to contribute to developing strategies that enhance social cohesion and civic responsibility in Pakistan through non-coercive measures, such as policy reforms that nudge behavior towards increased compliance. When the government is better informed about what influences citizenship and how citizens value policy compliance, it can adopt a more effective approach to public policy decisions. Institutional reforms aimed at building trust, as perceived by the general public, can be developed through various measures that promote inclusiveness and strengthen the social contract.