Introduction The main proponent is the idea of Karl Marx that the Capitalism is unstable Karl Marx argued that capitalism is unstable because it leads to capital overaccumulation and class struggle. Regulation theorists examine the ways in which different varieties of capitalism attempt to manage these instabilities.
Core Concepts Regimes of Accumulation : These are periods during which a certain configuration of production and consumption practices leads to stable economic growth. For example, the post-World War II "Fordist" regime, characterized by mass production and mass consumption. Modes of Regulation : These include laws, norms, conventions, and institutions that ensure the stability and reproduction of a regime of accumulation. For example, labor laws, welfare systems, and financial regulations that supported the Fordist regime. Crises and Transitions : Aglietta emphasized that crises occur when existing modes of regulation can no longer support the regime of accumulation, leading to a period of instability and the eventual emergence of new modes of regulation.
What is Regulation? Regulation is an intentional restriction or instigation on/for a choice of activity by an entity not directly involved in the activity/Process. This could include government bodies, regulatory agencies, international organizations, industry associations, professional bodies, or other stakeholders with authority or influence over the relevant domains. These entities establish rules, standards, policies, and enforcement mechanisms to shape behavior and outcomes in line with societal objectives or values.
Why is Regulation Needed? 02
Why is Regulation Needed? The government may leave the production to the private sector but they have to regulate them to ensure that the firm does not take advantage of its monopoly position Governments regulate to make a level-playing field and to prevent monopolies. Government set standards to regulate quality and safety control To Prevent Market Failures
Why is Regulation Needed? Recognition of Trade Unions and their Right to Collective Bargaining. Governments also Index Wages to Productivity. Governments set Minimum Wages, Working Conditions, and Hours. Governments imply progressive taxation policies to redistribute wealth to the people on the lower strata of the society
Regulatory Instruments 03
Regulatory Instruments Regulatory instruments are the tools and mechanisms used by governments, regulatory agencies, and other institutions to achieve regulatory objectives. Licenses: Licensing is a regulatory instrument that requires individuals or entities to obtain permission from a regulatory authority before engaging in certain activities or operations. For example, professional licenses are required for occupations such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and pilots to ensure competency and protect public safety.
Regulatory Instruments Taxes: Taxation is a regulatory instrument used by governments to influence behavior, raise revenue, and address market failures. For example, carbon taxes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Controls & Regulations: Regulations encompass a broad range of rules, standards, and requirements imposed by governments or regulatory agencies to achieve specific policy objectives. It may include environmental regulations, health and safety standards, product quality standards, labor regulations, financial regulations, and trade restrictions.
Regulatory Instruments Penalties: Penalties are enforcement mechanisms used to deter non-compliance with regulatory requirements. Quotas: Quotas are quantitative restrictions imposed by governments on the quantity of goods, services, or resources that can be produced, imported, exported, or consumed within a specified period. Subsidies: Subsidies are financial incentives provided by governments to support or encourage certain activities, industries, or behaviors.
Regulatory Agencies in Pakistan 04
Regulatory Agencies in Pakistan Agency Function Constitutional Link State Bank of Pakistan Regulates monetary and credit policy, issues currency, supervises banks. Article 37(2) OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) Regulates oil and gas industry, ensures fair pricing and competition. Falls under federal government's power to regulate EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Protects environment, implements environmental laws, sets pollution standards. Article 24A (protection of environment) Securities & Exchange Commission Regulates stock market, protects investors, ensures fair trading practices. Falls under federal government's power to regulate economic and financial matters Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan Grants and protects patents, trademarks, copyrights. Implied by right to property (Article 17)
Regulatory Agencies in Pakistan Agency Function Constitutional Link Pakistan Medical Commission Regulates medical education and practice, ensures quality of medical services. Falls under concurrent legislative list (health) (Article 142) Food and Drug Authority (DRAP) Regulates drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, ensures safety and efficacy. Falls under concurrent legislative list (health) (Article 142) Civil Aviation Authority Regulates civil aviation industry, ensures safety of air travel. Falls under federal government's power to regulate airspace PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) Regulates telecommunication sector, promotes competition, protects consumer interests. Falls under federal government's power to regulate communication PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) Regulates electronic media, ensures freedom of expression, prohibits hate speech. Falls under freedom of speech (Article 19)
Critical Analysis 05
Overall Critical Analysis of the Theory
Overemphasis on Structural Analysis Regulation theory tends to emphasize structural factors and institutions to such an extent that it may overlook the role of individual agency and the complexity of human behavior in shaping economic outcomes. Critics argue that this focus can lead to a deterministic view where economic agents are seen as overly constrained by structures, underestimating their capacity for innovation and change. Static Analysis of Institutional Forms Regulation theory has been criticized for its static analysis of institutional forms and regimes of accumulation. It sometimes fails to capture the fluidity and evolution of institutions over time.Critics point out that institutions are not static but are constantly evolving, influenced by political, economic, and social changes. Historical Specificity and Generalizability The theory often relies heavily on specific historical contexts, particularly the post-World War II period in Western Europe and North America.
Critical Analysis 1) Regulators often become the hands of powerful lobbies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with protecting Pakistan's environment and enforcing environmental regulations. However, its effectiveness has been questioned due to concerns about its independence and influence from powerful lobbies such as industrial lobbying and Political interference. 2) Too much independence to regulatory authorities also threatens to isolate them from direct democratic control
Critical Analysis The sub-optimal performance of regulators in Pakistan is caused by various institutional and capacity constraints. Under 18 th Amendment, the subject of regulation is under the Council of Common Interests, The Council of Common Interest lacks technical capacity and resources to evaluate performance of regulators. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is responsible for regulating the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs. Under the 18th Amendment, the CCI has a say in how DRAP functions. The CCI is composed of political representatives from the federal government and provinces. These representatives may not have the scientific and technical knowledge necessary to effectively evaluate DRAP's performance in regulating complex issues like drug safety and quality control.
Critical Analysis The appointments of members of regulatory authorities are frequently challenged in courts which affects their routine functions. In 2015, the appointment of Absar Alam as the chairman of PEMRA was challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) In 2018, the appointment of Muhammad Saleem Baig as a member of PEMRA was challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). In 2018, the appointment of Farrukh H. Sabzwari as a commissioner of the SECP was challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC). The appointment of Zafar Abdullah as the chairman of the SECP was challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in 2017. In 2016, the appointment of Tariq Saddozai as a member of NEPRA was challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). In 2020, the appointment of Aamir Khan as a member of NEPRA was challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Critical Analysis Judicial Reviews of the decisions of regulators remain pending in courts for a long time. In 2018, the PTA imposed fines on several telecom operators for various regulatory violations, such as poor service quality and non-compliance with licensing conditions. The affected operators challenged these fines in the courts, arguing that they were arbitrary and disproportionate. However, due to procedural delays and backlogs in the judicial system, the cases remained pending for years without resolution.