CPDI Highlights Gaps in Budget Transparency and Accountability in Pakistan
By: Abdus Salam Baitab
Bannu: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), through its Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA), shared findings from its State of Budget Transparency Report (2025) during a media briefing held in District Bannu by Community Development Organization (CDO). The report focuses on FY 2024-25, as the current FY 2025-26 is still ongoing and its complete data will only be available after the year ends.The findings show that budget transparency in Pakistan remains limited and uneven, with weak public participation and gaps in accountability. Key budget documents are not consistently made public, and citizens have little opportunity to influence budget priorities.Speaking at the briefing, program manager of CDO Mr. Inayat Ullah Khan said: “Budgets are still not truly public in Pakistan. People are informed after decisions are made, rather than being part of the process.”
The report notes that although budgets are presented on time, parliamentary engagement remains weak, with limited debate days and insufficient scrutiny. Transparency further declines during implementation, as governments often fail to publish timely spending and audit reports, limiting effective oversight.
It also finds that Punjab performs relatively better, followed by the federal government, while Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan lag behind, though overall transparency levels remain below acceptable standards.
CPDI, through CNBA, called on governments to ensure timely sharing of budget information, meaningful public participation, and stronger accountability systems to improve public trust and governance.
CPDI, through the platform of the Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA), a network of civil society organizations across 101 districts in Pakistan, has been publishing research reports on federal and provincial budgets for a long time. In addition, through budget consultations and debates, CPDI is striving to make the budget a reflection of the public’s aspirations and to align the budget-making process with international standards in Pakistan.
