The Impact of the Right to Public Services Act on Governance in Khyber -Pakhtunkhwa: A Case Study of District Kohat

Abstract

The Right to Public Services (RTPS) Act, enacted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan in 2014, represents a significant milestone in advancing governance, transparency, and accountability. The Act ensures the timely provision of essential public services to citizens, introduces accountability measures against negligent public officials, and empowers citizens to seek redress through grievance mechanisms. This research paper explores the implementation of the RTPS Act with a special focus on District Kohat as a case study. Drawing from secondary literature, official reports, and contextual analysis, the study evaluates the effectiveness of the Act in improving service delivery, identifies institutional challenges, and assesses citizen awareness and utilization of the law. Findings indicate that while the RTPS Act has improved service timelines and reduced petty corruption, challenges remain in enforcement, awareness, rural accessibility, and gender equity. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen citizen engagement, expand institutional capacity, and ensure equitable service delivery across KP.