Transparency (Open Budget Index) 43/100
The Government of Pakistan provides the public with limited budget information.
Public Participation 10/100
The Government of Pakistan is weak in providing the public with opportunities to engage in the budget process.
Budget Oversight
By legislature 27/100
Budget oversight by the legislature in Pakistan is weak.
By auditor institution 67/100
Budget oversight by the supreme audit institution in Pakistan is adequate.
Recommendations
Improving Transparency
Pakistan should prioritize the following actions to improve budget transparency:
- Publish a Pre-Budget Statement.
- Produce and publish a Mid-Year Review and Citizens Budget.
- Increase the comprehensiveness of the Executive’s Budget Proposal and the In-Year Reports.
Improving Participation
Pakistan should prioritize the following actions to improve budget participation:
- Establish credible and effective mechanisms (i.e., public hearings, surveys, focus groups) for capturing a range of public perspectives on budget matters.
- Hold legislative hearings on the budgets of specific ministries, departments, and agencies at which testimony from the public is heard.
- Establish formal mechanisms for the public to assist the supreme audit institution to formulate its audit program and participate in audit investigations.
Improving Oversight
Pakistan should prioritize the following actions to strengthen budget oversight:
- Establish a specialized budget research office for the legislature.
- Ensure the executive receives prior approval by the legislature before implementing a supplemental budget.
- Establish a system of quality control for the supreme audit institution.