The government may consider instituting prior public written-consultation on all large development projects. This will be a step towards making the governance more open and responsive. Good points that emerge from consultation may, on the one hand, improve project parameters including loan conditions and, on the other, maximize benefits to the people. In Pakistan the Securities and Exchange Commission is already using this process in the finalization of guidelines and rules on different issues. Some other institutions also claim to benefit from public consultation.
Public consultation can be through inviting written comments or through public hearing.
For large development projects it may initially be through written comments followed by public hearing participated in by experts. In order to initiate the process a consultation booklet containing broad parameters of the project together with loan conditions, the concessions involved and risks sharing arrangements need to be released to the general public at nominal or no cost. This information may also be made available on the website of the concerned agency or authority. Sufficient time may be allowed for comments. A senior officer may be designated to acknowledge and compile the comments for consideration by the concerned authorities.