MPs call for more time to debate budget

PILDAT convened a briefing session on Tuesday at Islamabad, aimed at enhancing parliamentarians’ understanding of the budgetary process.

The discussion, titled “Empowering Parliamentarians for Effective Budgetary Oversight,” provided a platform for insightful discussions and deliberations on critical reforms to improve Pakistan’s parliamentary budget process.

Senators and members of the National Assembly (MNAs) endorsed PILDAT’s suggestion for increasing the days for budget deliberation because they lamented that the number of budget documents could not be adequately studied within the current time period.

The members also underscored the need for gender analysis of the budget and also the need for public disclosure of budgetary tracking and progress reports.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah chaired PILDAT’s briefing session and underscored the importance of parliamentary oversight in ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability.

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He emphasised the need for an inclusive and transparent budget process, focusing not only on allocating funds but also ensuring these funds are used for intended outcomes.

He said executive dominance must be balanced with empowering parliamentary committees, pre and post budget scrutiny and amending Article 84 of the Constitution of Pakistan, as suggested by PILDAT.

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, sharing his views, expressed his support for PILDAT’s recommendations for budgetary reforms. He underlined the need for empowered standing committees and

improving the efficiency of bureaucratic support within various government divisions and ministries.

Overall, parliamentarians expressed a sense of urgency and collective resolve to effect positive change in Pakistan’s budgetary processes.