By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
In the intricate realm of policymaking, there exists a silent force that significantly shapes
the laws and policies governing societies, often without garnering the attention it
deserves – Legislative Impact Analysis (LIA) and Parliamentary Research Services.
These two pillars of the legislative process play a pivotal role in ensuring evidence-
based policymaking, providing lawmakers with comprehensive insights into the potential
consequences of proposed legislation.
In the dynamic landscape of legislation, where laws directly impact the lives of citizens,
meticulous examination becomes imperative. Legislators, driven by the responsibility to
enact laws with stated objectives, must scrutinize how these laws would achieve their
intended impacts. This involves a thorough study of the direct and indirect
consequences, both desired and unintended.
Good legislative practices demand an estimation of all possible consequences before
enacting a law, assessing whether the proposed law is the optimal solution to the
identified problem. In Pakistan, however, a systematic process for a full assessment of
laws is lacking. Legislation often goes unscrutinized in its ability to achieve even the
intended impact. While Committees in Pakistan's Parliament have shown commendable
efforts in outreach and consultation, a comprehensive impact assessment framework is
yet to be established.
To address this gap, it is crucial to incorporate a framework of legislative impact
assessment into the legislative procedure. This framework should encompass
economic, social, environmental, and administrative impacts of draft legislation, guiding
the entire process from problem identification to post-enactment appraisal.
In fostering impact assessment across parliaments, international forums or networks
should be created. These platforms can facilitate the sharing of experiences,
methodologies, and case studies related to LIA, encouraging cross-border collaboration
and peer learning.
Given the relatively new phenomenon of Legislative Impact Analysis in many
parliaments, organizing international training programs and workshops for parliamentary
staff and MPs is essential. Collaboration with established institutions can enhance skills
in conducting LIA and utilizing evidence in decision-making.
Facilitating exchange programs for parliamentary researchers promotes exposure to
different LIA methodologies and encourages the adoption of best practices. Developed
countries should provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to
parliaments in developing nations. International cooperation can bridge the capacity gap
and promote effective LIA processes.
Regular international conferences and workshops dedicated to LIA and evidence-based
policymaking are essential for networking and knowledge exchange. Initiating joint
research initiatives on global challenges can inform policy decisions at both national and
international levels.
Encouraging collaboration on research projects between parliaments, research
institutions, and universities from different nations can focus on common challenges and
produce valuable insights.
Legislative Impact Analysis stands as an indispensable tool for parliaments striving to
make informed decisions, minimize negative consequences, and maintain public trust.
Its global promotion and enhancement can lead to more effective and responsive
governance, ultimately benefiting citizens and democratic institutions. Through
collaborative efforts, legislators can ensure that the laws they enact serve the best
interests of their constituents and contribute to the betterment of societies worldwide.
