In the prevailing globalization order, the state crafting has become a more complex phenomenon carrying multifarious factors internally and externally. History bears witness to the fact that nations have adopted new models and systems evolving drastic changes to synergize themselves with international environment. Policy formulation is the preliminary initiative of any state, which provides impetus to cope with various challenges. Also the policies reflect the present and future state of affairs and the directions of a nation.
Primarily State exists to provide security, ensure prosperity, protect basic rights, and furnish equal access to the means of living. State also guarantees the defence of territories, safeguard of sovereignty and protection of national interests. These targets and objectives could be achieved only through the appropriate policy formulation and implementation. So the interwinding of all  major policies on the best possible parameters is essential to stand as a modren prosperous soverign state  in the international community. 
Formulation of strategies along with the analysis of the policy goals are the essence of successful art of state crafting. Polices should be formulated with specific objectives rather than setting forth general direction as their very definition suggests a continuous change according to the prevailing environment. The most crucial challenge for policy makers in foreign and local affairs is establishing the priorities according to the challenges and available recourses.
In the process of policy formulation, Pakistan, too, needs drastic changes in existing policies in economic, socio-political and defence spheres besides foreign affairs. 
Appropriate prioritization of issues is the prerequisite for sound planning. Policy makers also need to outline the actions which could modify the behavior of non-state actors, institutions and agents. So a careful analysis of policy directions is required at the planning phase, to achieve the best outcome.
Simultaneously, policy makers always have to face a lot of compulsions, and obstacles predominantly from two fronts. Externally, like international treaties, agreements, norms, interests of regional, intra-regional, and intra-Atlantic political players; above all uni-power’s agenda has one way or the other its own unavoidable impact. Internally, public opinion, interest groups, media, the concepts of ideology, the elements of diversity within the society and other domestic scenarios. All these factors create constraints on policy making process.
The theoretical formulation is the job of bureaucrats and executive branch. One institution of state whose input in implementation of policies is vital is legislature. It is also imperative that theoretical decision and the direction of policy should be derived from rational calculation of interests and objectives combined with calibrations of means and goal. For implementation, vibrant, committed and visionary legislators and devout leadership is essential. In present times, the concept of modern state requires collective and cohesive contribution of state’s pillar and its institutions.  
Unfortunately, the unbalancing factor/lack of cohesion between the executive and legislature is one of the major obstacles in the way of futuristic national policies’ formulation. Disconnection between the ground realities and decision makers is another factor behind unproductive policies. Moreover, inefficient, incapable, uncommitted and non serious process of delivering on part of state functionaries is producing negative consequences for the country. This situation is eventually beneficial to all the groups and odds that create influence and work against the public interests and welfare; even the elite benefit from this scenario?
Legislatures and executives being the two most vital pillars of the state need to readdress the national policies vis-à-vis socio-economic, dispensation of justice, education, health, and law and order matters, and also to counter corruption which is destroying the very fabric of society, even demoralizing the nation on the whole. So both the pillars should have harmony in working order towards identifying the desirable future conditions; then accordingly, they should encapsulate policies and formulate strategies to move towards the desired future state.
Decision makers need to focus on people’s opinion, affirmation of which will create collective response from entire nation, and help the government to meet national and international challenges amicably. Legislatures should know the sensitivity of policies and its implications, particularly when some times it is important to differentiate between what a nation does or needs and not just only what nation says.   
The government needs to reform the administrative structures or at least make them accountable to the people. Moreover, their capacity building is needed for effective implementation of policies, through good governance and development. Good governance means addressing the problems being faced by all parts of society and similarly development is linked with individual and institutional capacities. Otherwise, it would not be possible to achieve the desired objective of policy. Technical analyses during the phases of implementation of policies would help the decision makers to opt for appropriate changes according to the environment and sentiments of masses. Also, an independent monitoring system with strong checks and balances should be created.  This system should be out of bureaucratic and political influence. It should also be ensured that an annual report covering all important cases is published to provide an opportunity for open public debate, enabling the government to review its polices if needed.
The prime area of review is making of annual budget which predominantly safeguards the interests of the ruling elite rather than addressing the complex problems being faced by the common man. Budget is always manifestation of government intentions -- to provide equal economic opportunities to common man. It is very unfortunate that since 1948, we have not been able to present a single budget of such quality.  It’s the duty of the government to create balance within the budgetary allocation to ensure good governance and wellbeing of people.
It is mentioned with great concern that our so called economic think tanks or advisors who are enjoying huge perks have not yet been able to create a balance between development and non-development expenditure, which is the first and final step towards economic prosperity. It is consensus of global intelligentsia that education is panacea of all ills of underdeveloped countries, whereas we are continuously making a shameful 2 per cent allocation to education. While the health sector shows the same sorry state of affairs in terms of allocation, the amount fixed for development of country’s infrastructure is barely sufficient. It is high time that the policy makers changed their colonial approach and adopted pro-people policies.
Deteriorating law and order conditions are causing colossal disappointment and demoralization within the society, hampering economic progress as well. The state institutions and functionaries are inept and have failed miserably to protect the poor masses; in fact, they are involved in protecting the stakes of the elite and the privileged class, resulting in chaos and withering unity.
Corruption is a dilemma for developing countries in general and a trade mark of Pakistani society in particular. In our circumstances, people are criminally ignoring it without staging any protest, which has given legitimacy to this autoimmune disease in our society. Even the responsible institutions of the state are the part of same practices. And no effective or substantial accountability procedures have yet been evolved.  It is a matter of the fact that corruption is prospering under the auspices of our elite and ruling class.
Our justice system is denying justice by delaying it, thus adding more miseries, frustration and humiliation within the society. People have lost their interest and faith in judicial system. It is also true that corruption is extensively ruling the working of judiciary. Legal system is full of anomalies, enabling criminals to escape accountability. The whole judicial system needs revamping. Without effective and objective judicial system, we should not look for better future or even government cannot derive consensus and favors of the masses on national or international issues, which is the basic ingredient for modern state. 
Our foreign policy does not commensurate with our national interest. It is actually serving the interest of the sole super power. It is also true that Pakistan is under constraint because of international treaties, regional political interests, global order, ideological beliefs, and in present era, economic interests and possession of natural resources. So the leader of the nation needs to be a visionary, who should not only ask for the best results from state’s foreign functionaries, but simultaneously he/she should be determined to peruse the policy goals. Identifying problems and applying policy options are endless processes, which itself demand highly institutionalized mechanism and committed professionals who should articulate themselves with research being carried out at various think tanks. Our foreign missions must work to improve the country’s image. In this multi complex scenario as a state, we have to address the commonalities and opportunities which can be exploited and benefited from in prevailing inter-dependent global order.
The political parties have to establish the institutional mechanism within them. Also harmony between political parties and military is essential; both need to create consensus on national agenda to formulate policies accordingly. Fundamental rule of balance of power between the pillars and the institutions of state is need of the hour. Restructuring of the system and redesigning of the state institutions is essential. Both should act according to the well defined parameters of constitution of Pakistan. Otherwise, we will not be able to give Pakistan stature of a modern and sovereign state, unfortunately.      
We need a sovereign parliament imbued with modern techniques of governance in total harmony with our defence and strategic decision makers. The government should have no reasons not to formulate well crafted national policies, which should be pro-people. The judicial system should  provide protection to the people, rather than serving the interests of anti-people elite only. The evolution of a transparent monitoring mechanism is need of the hour, if we need to win the minds and hearts of the nation. Simultaneously, foreign policy should echo the national vision and interest. Also it should be in cohesion with domestic policies.