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

Dawn reported that a United States State Department assessment has called on Pakistan to tighten parliamentary oversight of public finances. The 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report, an annual review, singled out two gaps: the delayed publication of the executive budget proposal and thin disclosure of government debt, particularly liabilities linked to major state-owned enterprises. Earlier access to spending plans, the report argued, would give legislators and citizens a fairer chance to scrutinise budgets before approval.

The review was not wholly critical. It found that enacted budgets and year-end reports were easy to reach online, that budget papers gave a largely full view of planned spending and revenue including natural resource income, and that procurement details were published. It also judged the national audit body independent by international standards and its findings timely, while describing the sovereign wealth fund's legal base as sound.

The report also said military and intelligence budgets lacked adequate scrutiny from parliament or civilian bodies, making that a third priority for reform. In its weekly briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi noted that Pakistan had been counted among 67 countries falling short of the minimum criteria, but maintained that the country follows internationally accepted practices in fiscal transparency. He pointed to completed IMF reviews and credit upgrades from three international rating agencies as evidence of reform.