TP REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), through its Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA), unveiled findings from its State of Budget Transparency Report 2025 during a media conference held in Peshawar.
The report, focusing on FY 2024–25, highlights that budget transparency in Pakistan remains limited and uneven, with weak public participation and significant gaps in accountability. It notes that key budget documents are not consistently made public, restricting citizens’ ability to influence fiscal priorities.
The event was hosted by Safar Welfare Organization, where representatives including Aisha Bibi, Naseem Riaz, and former member of Capital Metropolitan City Government Peshawar, Shakira Gul, addressed participants.
Speaking at the briefing, Aisha Bibi stated that budgets in Pakistan are still not genuinely public, with citizens typically informed only after decisions have already been made rather than being included in the process.
According to the report, while budgets are generally presented on time, parliamentary engagement remains weak, with limited debate and inadequate scrutiny. Transparency further declines during the implementation phase due to delays in publishing spending details and audit reports, undermining effective oversight.
CPDI, through CNBA, urged governments to ensure timely dissemination of budget information, promote meaningful citizen participation, and strengthen accountability mechanisms to enhance public trust and governance.
The Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA), a platform of civil society organizations spanning 101 districts across Pakistan, has long been engaged in research, consultations, and advocacy to align the country’s budget-making process with international standards and public expectations.
