PILDAT Briefing Empowers Parliamentarians on Budget Reforms

A recent briefing session organized by PILDAT in Islamabad aimed to educate parliamentarians on the intricacies of the budgetary process in Pakistan. Titled 'Empowering Parliamentarians for Effective Budgetary Oversight,' the session provided a platform for discussions on crucial reforms to strengthen the parliamentary budget process.

During the session, Senators and MNAs raised concerns about the overwhelming volume of budget documents and proposed extending the budget deliberation period. They also highlighted the importance of conducting gender analysis on the budget and ensuring transparency by making budget tracking and progress reports public.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, who chaired the session, underscored the role of parliamentary oversight in promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability. He stressed the need for a transparent and inclusive budget process that not only allocates funds but also ensures their proper utilization for intended purposes. Shah advocated for empowering parliamentary committees, improving pre and post-budget scrutiny, and suggested amendments to Article 84 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan expressed his support for the proposed budgetary reforms by PILDAT. He emphasized the importance of strengthening standing committees and enhancing bureaucratic support within government divisions and ministries. Overall, the parliamentarians demonstrated a strong commitment to driving positive changes in Pakistan's budgetary processes.

The briefing session in Islamabad served as a platform for parliamentarians to engage in constructive dialogue regarding reforms to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of the budgetary process in Pakistan. With a shared commitment to improving oversight and accountability, the discussions highlighted the importance of inclusive budget practices and the need for continuous reforms to ensure the efficient allocation and utilization of funds for the country's development.