Pakistan in its existence spanning over six decades has experienced both civil and military governments. Claims by successive governments to effect improvement in the socio-economic plight of the common man have remained largely unfounded and vain. At the same time, the writ of the government has thinned out in an increasing number of regions. A seemingly intractable rise in terrorism, sectarian conflict, and intolerance has infected political and institutional system, national security, economy, and society at large.
For those who are entrusted with the task to govern the country, the art and science of government appears to be secondary to the endeavor for self-perpetuation. Political inadequacies apart, failing to harness the critical mass of knowledge has remained perhaps the most vital missing link in responding to the needs and aspirations of the people. Lack of dedicated learning experience of Government Studies stands out in particular.
It was in this backdrop that an urgent need was felt to create a homegrown facility in governmental disciplines for furthering the cause of a progressive, socially just, economically viable, and administratively and politically governable society. Basic inspiration for this conception came from Late Dr. Hasan Sohaib Murad, Rector UMT. The School of Governance and Society was conceived and put in place.
SGS aims to provide a platform for free inquiry on governance and societal issues by producing research and scholarly work on Government Studies and Public Policy. While learning from the global experience like that from the Kennedy School of Government, the UNC School of Government North Carolina, the Department of Government in the London School of Economics, the recently established Blavatnik School of Government in the Oxford University, the École nationale d'administration (ÉNA) in France, Australia New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) in Melbourne, the UMT School of Governance and Society will be offering programs, tailored for the needs of Pakistan.