US report calls for strengthening parliamentary oversight of Pakistan's public finances

Per reporting from Dawn on the US State Department's 2026 fiscal transparency assessment, Pakistan's fiscal system has both strengths and gaps. The government makes enacted budgets widely accessible and maintains an audit institution meeting international standards. But three areas need improvement: Pakistan doesn't publish its executive budget proposal in time for adequate parliamentary review of spending priorities; it discloses limited information about government debt, especially from state-owned enterprises; and military and intelligence budgets lack parliamentary or civilian oversight. The State Department says addressing these gaps would substantially strengthen democratic accountability over Pakistan's public finances.

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