In a significant move towards promoting transparency and informed legislative participation, the Senate, in collaboration with the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), organized a highlevel knowledgesharing session on the Federal Budget 202526, here on Wednesday.
Titled ‘Understanding the Federal Budget: Analysis and Recommendations,’ the session was held here at Parliament House and aimed to enhance parliamentary oversight and strengthen the budget scrutiny process.
The initiative focused on equipping senators with technical knowledge and tools to engage more effectively in the upcoming budget session, particularly through committeelevel deliberations.
Senator Saleem Mandviwala, former Federal Finance Minister and current Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, played a leading role in the session.
Drawing from his extensive experience, he offered practical guidance on how senators can frame impactful budget recommendations. Mandviwala emphasized the growing significance of Senate input in shaping the national budget.
‘Last year, 52% of Senate recommendations were incorporated into the final budget – the highest to date – which demonstrates the increasing weight of the Senate’s role,’ he noted. One of the key developments during the session was the introduction of a special proforma designed exclusively for senators.
This document will provide a formal mechanism to develop and record budget recommendations, ensuring a more structured and transparent input process.
‘This special proforma will not only improve documentation but also facilitate active and informed participation of parliamentarians in the national budget process,’ Mandviwala added.
The session also featured a detailed academic segment led by Dr Waseem Shahid Malik, who provided an indepth analysis of sectoral budgeting. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, including Joint Secretary (Budget) Rana Obaid Ullah Anwar, also contributed by offering institutional insights into the budgeting process.
Concluding the session, participants reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the Federal Budget reflects the principles of transparency, institutional learning, and the will of the people through their elected representatives.