ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat ) has welcomed the detailed examination of Federal Budget 2026-27 by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, calling it an important step toward strengthening Parliament’s constitutional role in public financial oversight.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Pildat said the committee, chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA, devoted substantial time to reviewing budgetary proposals. The committee held a series of detailed meetings to examine proposals, hear government officials, stakeholders and experts, and scrutinize taxation and expenditure measures before NA consideration.

Pildat noted that the level of engagement reflects growing recognition of parliamentary committees’ central role in ensuring accountability, transparency and informed fiscal decision-making.

“The committee’s work demonstrates the importance of moving beyond a purely plenary debate on the budget towards a more systematic, evidence-based and committee-led review process,” the statement said. “Parliamentary committees are uniquely positioned to undertake detailed examination of budget proposals, assess their implications and make recommendations that can improve both the quality of legislation and the management of public finances.”

Pildat also commended National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for facilitating an environment that enabled meaningful committee scrutiny. “The Speaker’s support for strengthening the committee system and enhancing Parliament’s oversight functions has contributed significantly to reinforcing democratic accountability and improving the quality of legislative review,” it added.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026