Institutional and Procedural Enablers and Constraints in District-Level Land Use Planning Projects: Evidence from Kohat

Abstract

Effective land use planning is often constrained by complex governance and fragmented regulatory frameworks. While multi-level governance challenges are well-documented, limited empirical research examines these dynamics at the district level in transitioning institutional systems. This study examines how regulatory frameworks shape land use planning in District Kohat, focusing on the interaction between systemic enablers, institutional constraints, and stakeholder dynamics.
Using a qualitative case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key regulatory stakeholders. Data were analysed using Dey’s thematic framework to identify themes related to planning efficiency and coordination. The findings reveal that inefficiencies are systemic rather than merely procedural. While GIS integration and transparency mechanisms act as enablers, their impact is undermined by weak inter-departmental coordination, centralized decision-making, and repetitive approval cycles. The study demonstrates that planning delays emerge from the complex interaction between governance fragmentation and stakeholder influence.
By integrating governance and public-sector project management perspectives, this research explains how institutional arrangements influence planning efficiency at the district level. The results suggest that enhancing planning efficiency requires integrated regulatory systems, stronger technical capacity, and improved coordination mechanisms within district governance contexts.